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New York Times
24 minutes ago
- New York Times
Morgan Gibbs-White is back in a Forest shirt – but the uncertainty is not over
As he made his way towards the tunnel after completing his warm down exercises on the Chesterfield pitch, Morgan Gibbs-White was serenaded with noisy chants of his name from the Nottingham Forest fans. The midfielder initially raised his hands above his head to applaud, before then clasping them together into a heart shape, to convey a simple message to those in the stand. Advertisement Will the 45 minutes and nine seconds of football Gibbs-White played in the first half of a 0-0 draw with Monaco be the last he plays in a Forest shirt? The question of whether it was a goodbye will be answered in the coming days and weeks. It does feel as though the saga — which began when Tottenham Hotspur made an offer of £60million for Forest's most talismanic player ten days ago — is not yet definitively over. Forest were frustrated that the offer happened to precisely match a confidential release clause in Gibbs-White's contract. But while their frustration is understandable, it will not guarantee an end to Tottenham's interest in their most creative player. Behind the scenes, it has been business as usual at the Nigel Doughty Academy, where Gibbs-White has been working hard with his teammates since reporting back for training on Monday. When it comes to Gibbs-White, there have been no issues with the rest of the dressing room or with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, even if the club opted to keep him out of the limelight once more, with Nuno again not conducting post match interviews following the draw with the Ligue 1 side, which saw Forest field entirely different teams in each half. Ola Aina, who himself put pen to paper on a new contract that runs until 2028 earlier this month, says that the topic has been discussed in the dressing room, where both Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi — who is entering into the final year of his contract — have been the subject of some lighthearted flak. 'We have a bit of banter about stuff like that! But it's that person's business,' said Aina. 'Of course I would (like to see Gibbs-White stay). But I don't know what's going on. You'd have to ask Morgan. I don't think it will be forgotten (what Gibbs-White has done for the club). Never. He's a terrific player and his football speaks for itself. Advertisement 'Everyone is being professional. Right now we just need to get our heads down and focus on pre-season. This is going to be another important season for us and we look forward to that. We need to build on last season. We need to try to progress as players, a club and a team. We want to go a step further again.' It is hard to assess a player's mood when they are warming up in the pouring rain in Derbyshire, but Gibbs-White looked lively enough as he went through a series of stretching exercises with Jota Silva. Gibbs-White's last appearance in a Forest shirt had been in the frustrating 1-0 defeat at the City Ground against Chelsea in May, which confirmed that the club would not secure the Champions League football that had looked like such a tantalising possibility for much of the campaign. At the SMH Group Stadium Gibbs-White stepped out in the smart new kit, which carries something of a resemblance to the pin striped offering Forest wore in 1992-93, a season which began with Forest selling one of their best players — Teddy Sheringham — to Tottenham and ended, ultimately, in relegation from the top flight. Forest want to build on the seventh-placed finish they secured last time out, as they prepare themselves to play on the European stage for the first time in three decades. But losing their most influential player in the build-up to the new campaign would not be the ideal preparation. The fact that Gibbs-White has not been persuaded to sign a new deal, with two years left to run on the contract he signed when he joined in a £25million — potentially rising to £42million — move from Wolves in the summer of 2022, leaves Forest in a vulnerable position. Wolves went through a similar situation themselves last season, with Matheus Cunha, their own attacking talisman. Both Arsenal and Forest had been interested in the Brazilian. But he signed a new contract in February, which included a release clause that fairly reflected his value — and ultimately led to his £62.5m move to join Manchester United in June. Advertisement When Gibbs-White's name was included on the teamsheet for Forest's second pre-season game, it raised the question of how he might be received, amid the prospect of his potential departure, which had even seen Tottenham schedule a medical for the player on Friday July 11, prior to Forest seeking legal advice over their approach. But Gibbs-White's name was as loudly cheered as any other Forest player when the teams were announced over the PA system. Forest played with their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation with Gibbs-White in his usual position in the 10, playing just behind striker Chris Wood, with Hudson-Odoi and Jota on the flanks. Amid a competitive friendly game, there were a few moments where Gibbs-White demonstrated exactly why he had become such an integral figure. After drifting out wide towards the right, he looked up before delivering a high, looping ball towards the far post, into the path of a run from Wood, who could not quite control. When Hudson-Odoi played Gibbs-White into space, he cut into the box purposefully, before holding his hand in his hands after opting to shoot — with an effort that cleared the bar — rather than to fire the ball across goal. More than once, he received the ball at his feet, turned, and advanced gracefully forward into space, as we have seen him do so many times during his 118 appearances for the club. Gibbs-White even attempted to win a header against Eric Dier. But the force of the former Tottenham and Bayern Munich man's robust challenge even left his own teammate, Pape Cabral, in an agonised heap. Gibbs-White is expected to join the rest of the squad, when they fly to Portugal for their pre-season training camp next week. Beyond that, the future remains uncertain. Has Gibbs-White burnt his bridges at Forest? It does not feel that way. He remains a popular figure in the dressing room and the reception he received from the stands in Chesterfield suggests many fans remain onside, with a player they know very well, would be hugely difficult to replace.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'Over €40m' – Romano jacks up price of in-demand Chelsea star again; sporting directors ready to cash in
Transfer insiders Florian Plettenberg and Fabrizio Romano have had something of a rivalry all summer, going back and forth over the specific details of deals like the Noni Madueke to Arsenal move and trying to show each other up. Transfer insiders go head to head over Portugal international price Renato Veiga's price keeps climbing upwards as interest in the defender increases. It happened again yesterday – Plettenberg the pretender wrote yesterday morning that Atletico Madrid had joined Bayern Munich in the race to sign Renato Veiga from Chelsea with a speculated price of €35m. Romano wants his own back by adding further exclusive detail – and in this case he's claimed that Chelsea want 'over €40m' for the versatile defender. That would work out as something like €35m plus some add ons and bonuses, but it's still a pretty significant difference. Veiga wants out because he feels he's too far back in the pecking order both at left back and centre back to be a regular ahead of the World Cup next summer, for which he wants to play week in week out to secure his place in the Portugal first team. Chelsea are happy to cash in on an asset which has seen its value skyrocket since he arrived from Basel a year ago. Sporting directors will be delighted with quick flip of bargain buy Whether it's €30m, €35m or €40m, a sale at that level will represent a great success for our sporting directors. They bought Veiga as a pretty much total unknown a year ago, juiced him up with some Conference League games and a loan to Juve, and now are set to cash in majorly on him. That's good scouting, good business on the buy price, and good development of the prospect with steady minutes at a high level. Great work all round.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Report: Leeds United consider loan move for Chelsea forward
Leeds United Eyeing Chelsea Starlet Marc Guiu – Loan Move on the Cards? Young Striker Identified as Potential Leeds Target With their return to the Premier League fast approaching, Leeds United continue to sharpen their attacking options—and the latest name linked to Elland Road is Chelsea youngster Marc Guiu. As reported by Graeme Bailey for Leeds United News, the Whites have 'looked at' the 18-year-old Spanish striker as a possible loan addition this summer. The need for a new forward is widely accepted among the fanbase. Despite already bringing in Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg, and having Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford on the books, Leeds appear intent on signing a starting-calibre number nine before the window closes. Bailey stated: 'I think a loan signing is possible. Marc Guiu at Chelsea is one they've looked at as well. They will be doing a few bits. It's still the middle of July and they're not panicking.' Who is Marc Guiu? Guiu joined Chelsea from Barcelona last summer in a £5.2 million switch, making 16 appearances and scoring six goals in his debut season. A memorable first-half hat-trick in a Europa Conference League demolition of Shamrock Rovers was the highlight of his campaign, showcasing his clinical edge and European pedigree. While he has yet to make a significant breakthrough in the Premier League, his performances on the continent and youth international exploits have kept him firmly on the radar of top-level clubs. Leeds, known for their commitment to developing young talent, could offer Guiu the platform to accelerate his growth with regular first-team football. Ipswich and Others Also Circling Leeds aren't alone in their admiration of the teenager. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Championship side Ipswich Town have also been monitoring Guiu as they seek a replacement for Liam Delap, recently sold to Chelsea. Guiu's profile—strong in build, intelligent movement, and with a sharp eye for goal—makes him a viable option for clubs looking to invest in future-ready forwards. While Ipswich would offer Championship minutes, Leeds can dangle the lure of Premier League experience, something Chelsea are likely to consider when deciding the best loan destination. Alternatives Still in Play Guiu isn't the only forward linked to Elland Road. Free agent Callum Wilson is reportedly under consideration following his Newcastle exit, adding to the club's shortlist of experienced and youth options. But in Guiu, Leeds may have a gem-in-waiting who could thrive under the tutelage of Daniel Farke's system. Photo IMAGO Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Leeds fan's perspective, the idea of bringing in Marc Guiu on loan is intriguing but raises a few questions. There's genuine excitement about his potential—after all, six goals in 16 games for Chelsea, including a European hat-trick, isn't something to ignore. But Leeds are heading into the Premier League, not rebuilding in the Championship, and many fans will wonder if a relatively untested teenager is the right fit to lead the line. That said, the club's strategy seems clear. They're aiming for a blend of youthful promise and experience—Nmecha fits the mould, and if Callum Wilson is also being looked at, that gives the frontline both goals and guidance. Guiu, in that sense, would add depth and flair without necessarily being the starting solution. Farke has a track record of developing young attackers, and Guiu's physical style and finishing ability could translate well to the demands of the Premier League. A loan deal also reduces risk, giving Leeds a chance to assess his fit without a long-term commitment. For fans, the key will be balance—Guiu's arrival should supplement, not replace, a proven number nine. Ultimately, it's a calculated move that aligns with Leeds' recent recruitment patterns: high-upside players, minimal risk, and long-term vision.
