Nottingham Forest have signed Morgan Gibbs-White from Premier League rivals, Wolves in a club-record £44.5m transfer deal.
Gibbs-White began his career within Wolves’ youth academy and graduated through the age ranks to make his senior team debut in January 2017, as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Stoke City in Third Round of 2016-17 FA Cup.
The 22 year-old soon went on to become part of the first-team squad amidst struggles for regular game time, which culminated in loan spells at Swansea City then Sheffield United in last two seasons with Gibbs-White scoring 12 goals for the latter club last season.
During his time at Molineux, Gibbs-White scored three goals in 88 appearances across all competitions.
Wolves have consequently decided to part company with Gibbs-White following lengthy negotiations with Forest, with the East Midlands club paying an initial £35m plus a further £9.5m in achievable add-ons depending upon player and team performance success.
Gibbs-White will wear the number 10 shirt and has signed a five-year contract at Forest until June 2027, in a move which again reunites him with manager – Steve Cooper after the pair linked up at Swansea in 2020-21 season after Cooper previously coached Gibbs-White at England Under-17 level.
Delighted with his “amazing” move to Forest, Gibbs-White admitted that he is “happy to finally get it done” after weeks of negotiations between both clubs.
On the chance to be playing under Cooper again after having been on the oppositional team – Sheffield Utd in last season’s Championship, he said: “I have a fantastic relationship with the Head Coach and I believe that Forest is the perfect place for a fresh start and a new challenge.
“When I played here last season the games were fun and entertaining and I had a good record scoring here at The City Ground, so hopefully I can continue that!
“The fans were incredible, particularly in the play-off semi final and I’ve never seen anything like that atmosphere. I can’t wait to get in front of the supporters.”
Gibbs-White also added that he can’t wait to play in the number 10 shirt as he explained: “The number 10 has been my favourite since I was a little kid and this is the first time I’ve managed to wear it in my career, so I can’t wait to showcase it now.”
Wolves Chairman, Jeff Shi meanwhile has paid tribute to Gibbs-White for his “growth” in talent, “… which epitomises our efforts and achievements for young players.”
Reflecting on Gibbs-White’s talent and development, Shi added: “Morgan’s natural talent, hard work and dedication, combined with the excellent coaches he has worked with throughout his development here at Wolves, was the perfect recipe for him to grow into the exciting young footballer he is today.”
Shi also revealed that Gibbs-White had “declined” a new contract but praised the 22 year-old for acting with “utmost professionalism” across the summer, leaving as one of the club’s “most valuable” graduates of their academy and an inspiration for future generations.
Shi concluded by wishing Gibbs-White well for the future as he said: “We place on record our sincere thanks to Morgan for his effort and enthusiasm over the 14 years he has been at the club and wish him the very best of luck in the next stage of his career.”
Gibbs-White is eligible to make his debut for Forest away at Everton in an untelevised 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday 20 August in the Premier League.
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