Manchester City make final transfer decision on Morgan Gibbs-White | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City have now formally ended their interest in Nottingham Forest and England international midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to reports.

The 25-year-old had emerged as a potential option for City during the latter stages of the 2024/25 campaign, with club officials weighing up the idea of adding another technically gifted attacking midfielder to Pep Guardiola’s evolving squad.

Gibbs-White’s versatility, Premier League experience, and energetic style made him a logical candidate amid concerns around squad depth and the uncertain futures of several senior players, particularly at a time when Kevin De Bruyne was finalising an exit to Napoli.

However, since the close of last season, City have moved quickly to reshape their midfield through the signing of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, both of whom are expected to feature prominently under Pep Guardiola in the forthcoming season.

The arrivals have also had implications for existing squad members; Ilkay Gündoğan’s long-term role is under renewed scrutiny despite signing a one-year contract extension, while Jack Grealish continues to be linked with a potential loan exit.

Meanwhile, midfielders such as James McAtee, Claudio Echeverri, Kalvin Phillips, and Nico Gonzalez face uncertain paths to regular minutes for the club, with loan options under consideration for some names.

Now, according to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall, officials at Manchester City have no plans to sign another midfielder this summer despite Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White being available for a reduced £60 million fee.

It is reminded that City had held an interest in Gibbs-White towards the end of last season, but went on to secure Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £31 million and Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.3 million.

Having completed those deals to bolster Pep Guardiola’s central options, it is stated that Manchester City are now happy with their midfield strength and are focusing on exits during the final weeks of the summer market.

Clarification surrounding City and Gibbs-White comes amid a claim from English media suggesting that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was hoping Etihad officials would come in with a bid to sign the player – who reportedly told Marinakis at the end of last season he would only leave for a certain level of club, of which Tottenham do not fit that category.

This decision reflects a wider shift in City’s transfer strategy in the final phase of the window, with exits now taking centre stage. James McAtee is the subject of permanent interest from both Bundesliga and Premier League clubs, while Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis may leave on loan.

For Gibbs-White, it marks a blow to hopes of a high-profile transfer this summer. While Nottingham Forest are open to selling the Englishman, the list of suitors willing to pay that figure is shrinking. Tottenham had previously shown interest, but are now embroiled in a legal battle with Forest over the manner of their approach earlier this month.

Unless Manchester City face an unexpected midfield departure between now and deadline day, their business in that area of the pitch appears to be complete. The club’s stance suggests a growing confidence in the current balance of youth and experience, and signals faith in the new signings to deliver in what will be a crucial campaign both domestically and in Europe.