Morgan Gibbs-White committing his future to Nottingham Forest is the equivalent of bringing in a ‘top-class signing’, according to team-mate Chris Wood.
Reds ace Gibbs-White was at the centre of much transfer talk earlier in the summer. Tottenham Hotspur thought they had snapped him up last month when they triggered a £60 million release clause in his contract.
Forest were unhappy with what they considered to be an illegal approach for their prized asset. But the club managed to pull off one of the biggest surprises of the off-season by getting Gibbs-White tied down to a new deal, to keep him Trentside until 2028.
While the Reds were in Portugal on a pre-season training camp, owner Evangelos Marinakis played a key role in resolving the playmaker’s situation. And news of Gibbs-White staying put was music to the ears of Wood, who has a good understanding with his colleague - on and off the pitch.
“It feels like a top-class signing, keeping him here and doing well for our team. He would have been a hard man to replace,” Wood said after Forest’s 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
“He’s a top-class talent and an England international. That type of talent doesn’t come around too often, so everyone from the manager to the owner has done fantastically well to keep him.”
Get your Nottingham Forest pre-season supplement
Nottingham Forest pre-season supplement
It promises to be an exciting season ahead for Nottingham Forest.
The 2024/25 campaign proved to be a special one for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. But it could get even better for the Reds this time around.
European football will be coming to the City Ground for the first time in three decades. It will be a whole new continental adventure for Forest, and they will be eager to give it a good go.
It all means there is a lot to look forward to this coming season. With that in mind, we have produced our Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off special, our brilliant guide to the new season.
Our reporter Sarah Clapson will waltz you through what to expect from the Reds this coming season, turn the spotlight on Nuno, run the rule over one of Forest’s key men and take a look at the club’s transfer business. Our club-by-club guide will give you the lowdown on Forest’s Premier League rivals, while you will also be able to test your knowledge with our Premier League quiz.
We will also take a look at the summer’s biggest signings in the division, check out each ground and study the managers - new and old. With a full fixture list, Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Kick-Off will get you in perfect match shape in time for the Reds’ opening day curtain-raiser at home to Brentford on August 17.
Priced £3.50, pre-order your copy now from our online store and get it delivered direct to your door.
Wood and Gibbs-White linked up to great effect last term on the way to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side finishing seventh in the Premier League. They are also close friends off the pitch.
Wood himself signed fresh terms at the City Ground earlier this year. And amid speculation about his team-mate’s future, he wasn’t afraid to have a quiet word in his ear.
“Of course,” the front man said with a grin. “He’s one of my closest friends in the squad, if not the closest. It’s all about doing what’s right for him and it’s up to him to make a decision.
“He’s made the decision to be here and that’s fantastic for us as a group. It’s fantastic for me as a striker playing with him and we just want to bring the best out of all of us.”
Forest were beaten by a Jay Stansfield goal in the West Midlands. It was their fifth run-out of the summer and they have two more friendlies to play before their Premier League campaign begins at home to Brentford on August 17.
How important is Gibbs-White for Forest? Click HERE to have your say