Morgan Gibbs-White (25, Nottingham) seemed destined to transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, but encountered an unexpected obstacle. Nottingham Forest hinted at legal action, putting the transfer in jeopardy.
The British 'BBC' reported on the 11th (Korea time), "Nottingham Forest is considering legal action regarding midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White's transfer to Tottenham. The core issue is whether the confidentiality clause included in the Gibbs-White contract has been violated."
Earlier, BBC reported that Tottenham was expected to activate Gibbs-White's $60 million (around 1.2 trillion won) buyout clause, and the player was scheduled to undergo a medical examination on the 12th. However, Nottingham has expressed strong doubts about the circumstances surrounding the release of this news.
According to reports, Nottingham has expressed anger beyond displeasure over the mere existence of this clause becoming known externally. In particular, the specific details related to the buyout in Gibbs-White's contract include a strict confidentiality clause, and they are closely reviewing whether Tottenham's approach has violated this.
Internal sources from Nottingham told BBC, "Tottenham's approach was highly inappropriate, and we are prepared to utilize all means necessary to prevent the transfer." Nottingham claims that Tottenham acted unilaterally while conducting prior contact with Gibbs-White without a formal negotiation request or agreement between clubs.
Under Premier League regulations, negotiating with a player under contract with another team without the permission of the affiliated team is strictly prohibited. Nottingham is raising this point as a concern, noting that this matter could escalate beyond a simple transfer discussion to questions of regulatory violation.
Tottenham is aware of the situation and reportedly remains open to the possibility of reaching an agreement. However, the transfer negotiations are currently on hold due to Nottingham's firm stance.
Gibbs-White transferred from Wolverhampton to Nottingham Forest in August 2022 for a transfer fee of up to $42.5 million (around 790 billion won). Since then, he has established himself as a key offensive player for the team, recording 18 goals and 28 assists in 118 matches over three years. Recently, he also appeared in international matches under interim head coach Lee Keasley and head coach Thomas Tuchel with the England national team.
Meanwhile, Tottenham opened the summer transfer market ambitiously by signing Mohamed Kudus from West Ham for $55 million (around 1.05 trillion won), but if the transfer of Gibbs-White fails, it will inevitably disrupt their power plans.
On the other hand, Gibbs-White's teammate Anthony Elanga has transferred to Newcastle United.
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