The midfielder is a wanted man, so who could Forest turn to to replace him?
Over the course of Nottingham Forest’s two seasons in the Premier League, a scattergun approach to signings has seen several underwhelm, but a respectable few have been strong performers during their time at the club. One of those who has been a key addition to the Forest side since their return to the Premier League, after a 23-year absence, in 2022 is Morgan Gibbs-White.
Signed from Wolves following an impressive year on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United, the creative and dynamic attacking midfielder has been the first name on the team sheet almost every week since his arrival, so often being the catalyst for much of Forest’s success since their top-flight return.
Such a level of performance has seen several clubs take note of the 24-year-old, with Newcastle United the latest team to be linked with the Englishman. GIVEMESPORT understands that a £60m move could be on the cards this summer.
With an exit for one of the club’s star men potentially around the corner, here are five potential players who could potentially fill any gap left behind by the midfielder should he leave.
| Morgan Gibbs-White for Nottingham Forest | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 80 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 18 |
| Player of the Match | 13 |
| Market Value | £45m |
Giovanni Reyna
Borussia Dortmund
An outside option for a plethora of reasons, but still one that should be at least considered by the Reds should their star Englishman leave. The Sunderland-born USA international may not have pulled up any trees during his time on loan at The City Ground last term, but the 21-year-old did still garner just enough game time to show what he could potentially offer.
Earmarked during his time at Dortmund for his creativity, flair and technique, Gio Reyna struggled for minutes upon his half-year loan in Nottingham, starting just two games in the Premier League from his bank of 10 total appearances. However, he did offer a few glimpses in this limited time as to what he can do. An assist against Wolves on his first start for the club, including a dazzling run and shot in the same game display that there may well be a reliable option in there for Forest.
Having recently agreed a new deal with Dortmund before embarking on his English loan, the youngster is likely to command a sizable fee. However, with his parent club set to play in the Champions League final soon, and looking to be on the up, there’s a chance Dortmund may no longer request his services, at which point Forest could bring him in for less than expected.
An outside shot who hasn’t been given the full opportunity to showcase his skills, Reyna may not be the most popular of choices to opt for. However, it’s fair to say he showed enough of the player that is in there.
Martin Baturina
Dinamo Zagreb
A name that may not be at the top of many a Forest fans shopping list this summer window, but a young prodigy with all the tools to succeed at the very top level.
Gabriel Sara
Norwich City
A reported target for freshly optimistic Crystal Palace in this window, Norwich’s star Brazilian Gabriel Sara has turned plenty of heads with his performances in the midfield this season – with Forest also sending scouts to watch him in the final weeks of the season.
Jan-Niklas Beste
1. FC Heidenheim
Another option fans may be forgiven for not being familiar with, Jan-Niklas has enjoyed a phenomenal season with overachieving Heidenheim. With the team from South-West Germany qualifying for the Conference League playoffs in their very first season in the Bundesliga, several players have enjoyed unexpectedly remarkable campaigns, but Beste has flown that flag higher than most.
Kenneth Taylor
Ajax
A central man just as effective deeper in the midfield than he is further forward within it, Ajax maestro Kenneth Taylor would be a clever piece of recruitment for many sides in the Premier League, let alone Nottingham Forest.
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