Tottenham accused of misconduct: Gibbs-White transfer suspended

A major transfer controversy has erupted in the Premier League. Tottenham are accused of breaching confidentiality by accessing private contractual details in their attempt to sign one of Nottingham Forest’s most valuable players, Morgan Gibbs-White. According to The Times, Forest claim that Tottenham could only have learned of the £60 million release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract through a breach of confidentiality, prompting them to approach the Premier League.

Confidentiality breach: How did Tottenham learn about the clause?

The Times reports that Tottenham triggered the release clause and arranged a medical for the player last Friday. However, the process was halted following Forest’s formal complaint. The report adds that while Gibbs-White was expected to be in London on Friday, he instead joined Forest’s pre-season training on Monday:

The Times reports: “Tottenham are accused of triggering the £60 million release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract and arranging a medical for last Friday. However, the player instead reported for pre-season training at Forest on Monday.”

Health checks cancelled, player returns to Forest

Following these events, the transfer has now been put on hold and attention has now turned to the Premier League’s next steps. There is no set timeline for a ruling, but a past incident may provide precedent:

According to The Times: “There is no timeline for a decision from the Premier League, but past precedent puts Gibbs-White’s future in extreme doubt. Liverpool were accused of a similar offence by Southampton following their interest for Virgil van Dijk in 2017. The Reds had to formally apologise and wait another six months before eventually securing the Dutch defender.”

The precedent casts serious doubt over Gibbs-White’s chances of joining Tottenham this summer.

Gibbs-White carried Forest’s attacking burden last season

It’s not just a contractual matter; Gibbs-White has also proved his worth on the pitch. In the 2024–25 season, the English midfielder played 38 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 10 assists, which underlines his key role in Forest’s attacking output.

What kind of player is he?

Morgan Gibbs-White is a hard-working, technically gifted midfielder capable of performing in various attacking roles. While he primarily plays as a No.10, he can also operate behind a front two, in wide central channels, or as an interior in a front three. He’s a player who consistently takes responsibility, links up with teammates, and tries to orchestrate play.

He’s comfortable on the ball and rarely wastes possession. He excels at dictating play through quick, short passes, delivering the ball at the right moments and organising attacks. His technique isn’t flamboyant, but it gets the job done. His ability to carry the ball into the opposition half makes him a valuable asset in counter-attacking systems like Forest’s. He finds pockets of space and makes runs that lead to goals or set them up.

His tally of 7 goals and 10 assists across 38 matches underlines exactly what he brings to the side.

Although not physically dominant, he does not shy away from duels and works hard to win back possession. His pressing from the front is respectable. He’s as eager to win the ball back as he is to get on it.

At times, his decision-making can be rushed, leading to unnecessary turnovers. However, given his risk-oriented style, these mistakes are understandable and, over the course of the season, have not significantly undermined his performance.

Overall, Gibbs-White may not project the aura of a superstar, but he’s the kind of rhythm-giver who takes initiative and makes his presence felt in every match. In Thomas Frank’s compact, structured, and collective playing system, he could thrive. His versatility suits both possession-oriented and transition phases of play.

Forest turn to Ramsey as uncertainty grows

Ramsey pursuit not solely linked to Gibbs-White

Amid all this uncertainty, Nottingham Forest continue their pre-season planning with multiple scenarios in mind. According to The Telegraph, the club is making concrete efforts to sign Aston Villa’s young midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

Ramsey featured in just half of last season’s Premier League matches, partly due to a mid-season hamstring injury and partly because manager Unai Emery prioritised other players like Morgan Rogers.

Forest’s interest in Ramsey is not solely linked to a potential Gibbs-White departure. The club is also looking to fill the void left by Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United. As The Telegraph puts it:

The Telegraph states: “Forest are understood to have a long-term interest in Ramsey, whose arrival is not solely dependent on Gibbs-White’s departure, given the gap left by Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United.”

Forest board prepare for all outcomes

Morgan Gibbs-White’s future will become clearer after the Premier League’s ruling on Tottenham’s alleged confidentiality breach. The decision will largely determine whether the transfer can proceed. Yet past examples suggest such investigations take time.

Even with the uncertainty, Forest are pressing ahead with their pre-season plans, ready for whatever unfolds. The Ramsey pursuit is not just a reaction to potential exits; it also reflects a strategy to bolster overall squad depth. Both the coaching staff and club executives are managing the situation cautiously to avoid disrupting on-field preparations.