Too early for Gibbs-White’s City dream

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Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has been a bright spark in an outstanding season, but a £100m move to Manchester City isn’t yet justified, writes Dylan Johnson.

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, whose time at the Etihad is drawing to a close. The link has raised eyebrows: while Gibbs-White is an influential Premier League playmaker, a £100 million fee for a player yet to feature in European competition feels like a gamble City rarely take.

Gibbs-White has been central to Nottingham Forest’s progress under Nuno Espírito Santo. Deployed mainly as a No.10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, he has flourished with freedom to drift between the lines, link play, and create chances. This season alone, he’s produced nine assists and five goals in all competitions, regularly showing his vision, quick feet and strong ball-carrying ability.

Few players outside the traditional top six have generated more chances — he currently leads Forest in that category, with over 60 chances created.

He’s also a strong presser and willing runner off the ball, two qualities Pep Guardiola demands from his midfielders. In theory, his ability to play between the lines and contribute to the high press could make him a functional fit at City. There are moments in his game — his quick shifts of direction, his ability to delay passes until the right moment — that do resemble aspects of De Bruyne’s play.

But beyond the flair and flashes of brilliance, there are questions. One of the biggest is end product. While Gibbs-White creates opportunities, he doesn’t convert many himself. With an expected goals (xG) figure of around 4.5 in the league, he’s underperformed in front of goal.

His shooting technique and decision-making in the box still need refining. For a player being linked to City — a team that often relies on midfielders for goals in tight matches — that’s a significant gap.

There’s also the question of experience. At 24, Gibbs-White has yet to play in any European competition. Jumping straight from a mid-table Premier League side to one of Europe’s most tactically demanding teams is a huge step. City’s midfield — even without De Bruyne — includes elite talent like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic.

Fitting into that structure requires more than raw ability. It demands total tactical discipline, positional intelligence, and consistency over months of high-pressure matches. Gibbs-White has the potential, but it’s unclear if he’s ready for that leap.

Then there’s the price. Nottingham Forest have reportedly set a £100 million valuation — a fee that reflects his importance to their squad but feels inflated when compared to his actual output.

That sum would make him one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, and it’s difficult to justify when more established Champions League midfielders may be available for similar money.

A more logical next step might be for Gibbs-White to stay at Forest, especially with the club still fighting for a Champions League spot. Playing at that level next season would provide the perfect stage to test himself against Europe’s elite. It would also offer the kind of benchmark City — or any top club — would want before making a major investment.

In the long run, Morgan Gibbs-White may very well develop into a player worthy of leading a top side’s midfield. The flair, energy, and intelligence are there. But right now, a move to Manchester City feels premature — not because he lacks talent, but because his game, and his numbers, don’t yet justify the hype or the fee. One more season at Forest, with European football on the horizon, might be the right call for everyone involved.

Photo: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson