Morgan Gibbs-White left ‘bewildered’ by Manchester City transfer actions this summer | OneFootball

Manchester City’s dramatic change of direction away from Morgan Gibbs-White this summer left the Nottingham Forest star ‘bewildered’, according to reports.

For much of the latter half of the 2024/25 season, the attacking midfielder had emerged as a credible target for Manchester City, particularly given Pep Guardiola’s desire to refresh his options in advanced midfield areas.

City officials were known to be in the market for players capable of operating in the half-spaces, combining creative instincts with tactical flexibility, and Gibbs-White had reportedly caught the eye of Guardiola and his recruitment team.

With doubts emerging over the long-term futures of existing English quota players including Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips, and the expected exit of James McAtee, Morgan Gibbs-White was viewed as a natural fit both stylistically and administratively.

That interest intensified following the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium, where Pep Guardiola held a brief, but very public, post-match conversation with Gibbs-White on the pitch.

While Forest officials were believed to be unhappy about the optics of that interaction, they accepted the reality that their talisman was increasingly attracting top-six interest, and there was a belief internally that a sale could be sanctioned if a suitable offer materialised.

According to the information of MailSport’s Tom Collomosse, towards the end of last season Morgan Gibbs-White believed he would be allowed to leave Nottingham Forest if a ‘top club’ approached for his services.

The 25-year-old is thought to have been keen on the Etihad Stadium, and while Pep Guardiola speaking with Gibbs-White at Wembley after their FA Cup semi-final meeting irritated Nottingham Forest, there was an acceptance that the player had earned his move.

However, having been so keen on Gibbs-White for so long, Manchester City ultimately turned to Rayan Cherki of Lyon at £34 million and having set his heart on a move to the club, Morgan Gibbs-White is said to have been ‘left somewhat bewildered’.

The decision to pivot away from Morgan Gibbs-White and pursue Cherki came as a surprise to some, particularly given Manchester City’s extensive interest in the England international. But the feeling was that the Frenchman offered greater upside as a long-term investment, with technical attributes closer to the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.

Additionally, the price tag associated with Gibbs-White – who had several years remaining on his Forest contract and would have commanded well in excess of £50 million – was seen as a sticking point. Rayan Cherki, by contrast, became available for £34 million as part of Lyon’s wider need to raise funds this summer, allowing City to secure a lower-cost solution.

What happens next for Gibbs-White remains uncertain. Despite extending his contract at the club earlier this summer, the disappointment of missing out on a dream move to Manchester City – or even Tottenham – could yet influence his future approach.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the addition of Rayan Cherki is expected to signal the end of their business in that particular area of the pitch, especially if no major outgoings occur between now and deadline day.