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Morgan Gibbs-White says complications with his fiancée’s pregnancy convinced him to reject Tottenham’s £60m bid and commit to Nottingham Forest, signing a new deal until 2028.
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Morgan Gibbs-White has explained why he dramatically rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and instead committed his future to Nottingham Forest, citing family reasons above football ambitions.
The 25-year-old midfielder was close to joining Spurs after they triggered his £60m release clause in July, with a medical even scheduled. However, Forest resisted multiple approaches — including a second bid above the clause — and Gibbs-White made a U-turn, signing a new contract until 2028. The club described the renewal as a “statement of intent” by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gibbs-White revealed that complications with his fiancée Britney De Villiers’ pregnancy were decisive in his choice. Their second child was born after what she described as a “high-risk pregnancy” on social media. Gibbs-White missed the start of pre-season in Portugal to be by her side.
“Obviously in the summer, everybody saw what was going on. But away from that, it was a really difficult period for me and my fiancée,” he said. “Having my second child, there were complications. I believed in being professional, showing up every day, and letting everything take care of itself. I’m delighted with my decision. I think my fiancée is even happier because she didn’t have to go through all that stress.”
The England international added that his emotional ties to Forest, where he has been a key player since arriving from Wolves in 2022, also influenced his choice. “With everything that happened this summer, it hit home. I’ve been through a lot with this club these past three years, and to miss out on what we achieved last season would have broken me. I wanted to play Europa League football with Forest.”
Since joining for £25m, Gibbs-White has become a cornerstone at the City Ground, contributing seven goals and eight assists last season as Forest finished seventh and qualified for Europe. He now wears the armband of responsibility as Forest’s leader on the pitch, and he insists he has no regrets about rejecting Spurs. “Every decision I’ve made has been with my family in mind. I’ve never regretted any choice in my career, and I’m going to stick to what I believe.”
For Spurs, Gibbs-White’s U-turn was a bitter blow in a window that also saw them miss out on Eberechi Eze, who chose Arsenal at the last moment despite Tottenham’s advances. Fans have since renewed criticism of chairman Daniel Levy for failing to land creative reinforcements after James Maddison’s injury.