Manchester City are preparing a major midfield shake-up as they set their sights on Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Nottingham Forest playmaker emerging as Pep Guardiola’s top target for the summer transfer window. According to a report by Fichajes, City are willing to table a €60 million offer to land the Englishman, who is seen as a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
With De Bruyne likely entering his final season at the Etihad, the City hierarchy has begun planning a gradual transition in their creative core. Guardiola believes Gibbs-White possesses the ideal mix of technical flair, tactical intelligence, and dynamism to evolve into a key figure at the club.
The playmaker’s ability to dictate play, create chances in tight spaces, and contribute both goals and assists has seen him flourish at Nottingham Forest, where he has developed into the team’s creative heartbeat.
Despite Forest’s struggle in recent weeks, Gibbs-White has stood out for his consistent performances, showcasing leadership and composure far beyond his years. This season, he has contributed significantly in the final third, drawing praise for his versatility and intelligence both in possession and pressing phases. The Englishman has contributed to 14 goals as well.
Convincing Nottingham Forest to let go of their talisman will not be easy. The club are under no pressure to sell and have made it clear they consider Gibbs-White essential to their future. However, Manchester City’s project, the allure of playing under Guardiola, and the chance to compete regularly for silverware could prove decisive in swaying both the player and his club.
Sources suggest that while Forest may initially resist, there is growing belief around the City camp that the deal could be completed swiftly if personal terms are agreed. Gibbs-White’s entourage is said to be open to the move, especially with the midfielder entering the prime years of his career and eyeing a spot in England’s senior squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Guardiola reportedly already has a role envisioned for Gibbs-White, not just as a rotation option, but as the future central playmaker in a reimagined Manchester City midfield. With the likes of Phil Foden, Rodri, and Mateo Kovacic supporting the system, Gibbs-White could be nurtured into becoming the next creative general in blue.
Morgan Gibbs-White’s rise has been one of the more understated success stories in English football over the past few seasons. While he may not yet carry the global star power of De Bruyne, his intelligence, maturity, and relentless work ethic make him an ideal Guardiola prototype.
Manchester City’s interest is no coincidence, as they know the De Bruyne era is nearing its end and are preparing accordingly. At €60 million, it is an ambitious investment, but one that could pay dividends if Gibbs-White flourishes in the high-octane, tactically intricate world of Guardiola football. This move could mark the next chapter in City’s midfield evolution.
