Morgan Gibbs-White was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City during the summer of 2025.
Manchester City seemed likely to sign Gibbs-White but the 25-year-old eventually penned a contract extension at Nottingham Forest until 2028.
City decided to sign Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders to bolster their midfield after Kevin De Bruyne’s exit.
Gibbs-White was supposedly surprised by Cherki’s signing as Manchester City had spent the summer chasing his signature.
Elliot Anderson admits Kevin De Bruyne has been his favourite player for years
Pep Guardiola has praised Gibbs-White in the past and he was a player who City had identified to replace De Bruyne.
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates during Napoli v Girona
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
However, the decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium will only have a chance to re-ignite their interest in the England international in January or the summer of 2026 now.
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Gibbs-White’s teammate Elliot Anderson has named De Bruyne as his favourite player in the Premier League for years.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder said via HaytersTV: “Well, he was my favourite player over the past four or five seasons in the Premier League. Watching him all the time and just his eye for a pass, really, for me and the way he plays, how nice he is to watch, it really sort of caught my eye.”
“He’s the sort of player I’ve been trying to copy and obviously, he’s a top, top player so I’m doing something right if I can half-copy him.”
Elliot Anderson loves De Bruyne’s former Man City teammate
Anderson has been a revelation at Forest and perhaps some may advise Manchester City to make a move for him instead of Gibbs-White, especially considering his admiration towards De Bruyne.
The 22-year-old is young, able to play across the midfield, technically gifted and adept at winning duels.
Furthermore, the youngster looks set to make his England debut soon after being named in Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad.
Anderson is a big fan of Rodri, naming him as the smartest player in world football.
At Manchester City, the former Newcastle United wonderkid would have a chance to hone his craft while playing alongside the Spaniard if the English giants tried to sign him and he said yes to the move.