Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis Favors Man City Move for Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has made it clear that he would prefer to see Morgan Gibbs-White join Manchester City, rather than Tottenham Hotspur, if the standout midfielder departs the City Ground this summer. The saga surrounding Gibbs-White’s potential transfer has taken fresh turns, with Forest expressing frustration over Tottenham’s recent approach and legal action already in motion.

Nottingham Forest Owner’s Strong Stance on Gibbs-White Transfer

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has found himself at the center of Premier League transfer drama. Earlier this month, Tottenham Hotspur activated Morgan Gibbs-White’s significant £60 million release clause in an ambitious attempt to bring the highly-rated playmaker to North London. However, Nottingham Forest quickly raised objections, accusing Spurs of making an “illegal approach” and potentially breaching transfer protocols.

In response, Marinakis has formally lodged a legal complaint against Tottenham, seeking to protect both the club’s interests and the value of their talented midfielder. The move reflects his intense frustration and determination to ensure any departure of Gibbs-White is handled on Forest’s terms.

Why Evangelos Marinakis Prefers Manchester City For Gibbs-White

While the friction with Tottenham continues, Marinakis is reportedly far more open to negotiations with Manchester City. The Nottingham Forest owner believes that a transfer to the reigning Premier League champions would better serve Gibbs-White’s career progression and reflect more positively on Forest as a selling club. Manchester City’s track record of developing young English talent and their style of play align with what Marinakis envisions for Gibbs-White’s future.

Moreover, a high-profile move to City could secure more favorable financial terms for Nottingham Forest, further fueling Marinakis’s preference. It is also believed that Marinakis is eager to maintain strong relations with Manchester City, given their influence and stature within English football.

Legal Tensions Escalate Between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham

The situation has grown tense between Forest and Tottenham. Not only did Forest accuse Spurs of making an illegal approach, but the club also took immediate steps by submitting a formal complaint to the Premier League. This move has put additional scrutiny on how Premier League clubs conduct transfer business, especially regarding players with release clauses.

Tottenham, who saw Gibbs-White as an ideal midfield addition, have seen their transfer plans stall amid these legal complications. The situation now threatens to derail the deal entirely, giving Manchester City an unexpected advantage should they choose to enter the race.

Are Manchester City Interested in Morgan Gibbs-White?

Despite Marinakis’s clear preference, Manchester City have so far shown limited interest in pursuing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White. Pep Guardiola’s side has been linked with several midfielders during this transfer window, but sources close to the club suggest they are unlikely to activate Gibbs-White’s release clause. City’s priorities lie elsewhere, focusing on established international stars and reinforcing other areas of their squad.

Nevertheless, should City’s transfer plans shift, Marinakis would reportedly be quick to open discussions, confident that a deal could benefit all parties involved. For now, the ball is in City’s court, with the summer window still open and plenty of time for twists in the story.

Impact on Nottingham Forest’s Squad Planning

The uncertainty surrounding Gibbs-White’s future is impacting Nottingham Forest’s pre-season plans. The club’s coaching staff is preparing for multiple scenarios, aware that they may need to quickly identify a replacement should the midfielder depart. Gibbs-White was a key performer last season, and his potential exit would leave a significant gap in the squad.

Marinakis’s public stance is also intended to send a message to the rest of the squad and potential suitors alike: Nottingham Forest will not be pressured into unfavorable deals, and any outgoing transfer must maximize value for the club.

Opinion: Marinakis’s Approach Protects Forest’s Interests

Evangelos Marinakis’s insistence on prioritizing a Manchester City move for Morgan Gibbs-White over a transfer to Tottenham sends a powerful message about club ambition and strategy. By standing firm against what he perceives as an inappropriate approach from Spurs, Marinakis is not only defending Forest’s position but also raising important questions about transparency and fairness in transfer dealings. While Manchester City may not be in the running now, his willingness to seek the best possible outcome for both the player and the club is commendable. For more news on this and other football headlines, visit for more news.