Manchester City lead race to sign Morgan Gibbs-White as Kevin De Bruyne successor
Manchester City are positioning themselves at the front of the pack to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Premier League champions identifying the midfielder as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester City target Morgan Gibbs-White as De Bruyne successor amid growing transfer race.
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De Bruyne, who has played a pivotal role in City’s dominance over the past nine years, is expected to depart the Etihad this summer, prompting Pep Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team to search for a creative midfielder capable of filling the Belgian's sizable boots.
While Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has long been on City's radar, The Daily Mail reports that attention has now turned more decisively toward Gibbs-White, whose performances under Nuno Espirito Santo have caught the eye across Europe.
The 24-year-old England international has been central to Nottingham Forest’s surprise push for Champions League qualification this season, consistently delivering dynamic displays from midfield. His vision, dribbling, and attacking instincts have made him one of the most talked-about talents in the Premier League.
What may further bolster City’s chances in the race is Gibbs-White’s close relationship with City star Phil Foden. The pair share a longstanding friendship, and Gibbs-White is the godfather to Foden’s son, Ronnie—an emotional connection that could prove influential in the final decision.
With Liverpool and Manchester United also closely monitoring the midfielder, competition is intensifying. However, sources suggest that City’s strong project, Champions League stature, and Foden’s presence could tilt the scales in their favour.
Gibbs-White is expected to focus on finishing the season strongly with Forest as they aim for a top-four finish. A decision on his future will likely be made in the summer once his current campaign concludes.
Should City seal the deal, it would not only mark the arrival of one of England’s most promising talents but also signal a new era in their midfield blueprint post-De Bruyne.
