Why Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants Morgan Gibbs-White to join Manchester City despite ‘fury’ over Tottenham approach, revealed

Why Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis Wants Morgan Gibbs-White to Join Manchester City Despite ‘Fury’ Over Tottenham Approach

A surprising twist in the transfer saga of Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged, with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly favoring a potential move to Manchester City for the star midfielder — even as emotions run high over Tottenham Hotspur’s persistent interest. The reasoning behind Marinakis’ preference is layered in ambition, relationships, and long-term strategic thinking.

Marinakis, a powerful figure in European football, is said to be deeply frustrated by Tottenham’s direct and increasingly aggressive pursuit of Gibbs-White. Spurs have reportedly made multiple approaches, some of which were perceived by Forest as unsettling to the player and disrespectful to the club’s negotiation stance. The Premier League side considers Gibbs-White a core asset, and while a sale isn’t ideal, the right destination does matter to the hierarchy.

In stark contrast to the friction with Tottenham, Manchester City’s admiration for Gibbs-White has been quieter and more respectful, with Pep Guardiola known to appreciate the midfielder’s dynamism, tactical versatility, and creativity in tight spaces. Marinakis is reportedly drawn to the idea of one of his club’s brightest stars being molded under one of the game’s greatest coaches.

The relationship between Marinakis and City’s leadership is also believed to be cordial, built over years of mutual understanding in dealings across European football. City are viewed not just as a club, but as an institution that could elevate Gibbs-White’s game while preserving Forest’s dignity in the process.

What adds fuel to this narrative is Marinakis’ ambition to turn Forest into a respected player-developing club that can profit and thrive in the transfer market while maintaining footballing credibility. Selling a star to a reigning champion like City reinforces a message of growth, professionalism, and prestige — whereas allowing a top player to go to a direct rival like Tottenham, who have unsettled the player mid-contract, sends a less favorable message.

Behind the scenes, insiders believe Marinakis has also been impressed with how City integrate young talents into a winning environment without rushing them or overexposing them. The player’s development is said to be of genuine importance to Forest’s owner, who views Gibbs-White as more than just a financial asset — but a symbol of the club’s recent rise and evolution.

Despite this, the situation remains tense. Tottenham’s interest has triggered concern within Forest’s coaching staff, with reports suggesting that Gibbs-White has been affected mentally by the uncertainty. The midfielder is said to be torn between loyalty to Forest, the pull of European football, and the dream of playing under top-tier managers.

City’s interest, though not as aggressive in public, is being described as “serious” behind closed doors. Guardiola is believed to have asked his recruitment team to monitor the player closely, especially as City look to refresh their midfield options following key departures and injury setbacks in recent seasons.

Marinakis’ preference does not guarantee a deal will be struck with City, however. Financial negotiations, player willingness, and the timing of a formal offer will all play a role. What’s clear is that the Forest boss is determined not to be bullied or rushed into a deal that doesn’t serve the club’s wider interests.

Fans of Nottingham Forest are divided. Some are furious at the idea of losing Gibbs-White, regardless of the destination, fearing the club’s progress will stall without him. Others acknowledge that a move to City, if it brings significant financial return and respect, may be the lesser of all evils in a market driven by power and prestige.

For Gibbs-White himself, the choice may boil down to what vision he sees for his future — an immediate role at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, or a more gradual, elite development pathway under Guardiola.

Ultimately, Marinakis’ reported stance reflects a broader truth in modern football: where a player goes matters almost as much as how much they’re sold for. And in this case, prestige, professionalism, and pride are proving more powerful than Premier League rivalry.

The story continues to unfold, but one thing is certain — Marinakis will not be pressured into anything that undermines Nottingham Forest’s growing status or his vision for what the club can become.