Liverpool Football Club is reportedly intensifying its pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who has become one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League this season. According to Football Insider, former Manchester United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown revealed Liverpool's admiration for Gibbs-White and considers him a unique asset for their midfield.
The Reds have made the 24-year-old their "top target" for both the January and summer transfer windows, as reported on January 1. Gibbs-White has played a pivotal role for Nottingham Forest, who currently stand third in the Premier League, boasting impressive statistics with three goals and three assists from 19 league appearances.
Gibbs-White not only showcases exceptional technical skills but also brings tenacity and heart to the pitch, qualities highly valued within Liverpool's squad. Brown emphasized, "There might be technically superior players abroad, but there won’t be many players who show as much heart as he does... If he gets a move to a bigger team, he will have earned it and he deserves it."
Forest is expected to reject any bids for Gibbs-White during the current window, primarily due to their high league position. The club's management, under Nuno Espirito Santo, appears determined to retain their star player at least until the end of the season. The midfielder, who is contracted until 2027, has reportedly earned around £60,000 per week, significantly lower than some of his teammates.
According to Tom Collomosse of the Mail, other clubs, including Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Manchester City, have also expressed interest. Forest is prioritizing negotiations for a new contract with Gibbs-White, hoping to increase his wage significantly. With his current deal expiring only two years from now, interest may well intensify if negotiations stall, leading to potential inquiries from bigger clubs.
Gibbs-White's versatility allows him to function effectively as both a No. 10 and a No. 8, contributing to his value as Liverpool seeks to revamp its midfield options. Liverpool has also indicated they may explore sales, with players like Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton potentially on the chopping block come summer.
While Forest values Gibbs-White at over £47.5 million, the club is adamant about not losing such integral players mid-season, especially with their current success. Brown commented on the player’s influence, noting, "He would step in there and be a real asset to [Liverpool]... you need people who can play, but who are also willing to put everything on the line."
Gibbs-White's performances have even merited call-ups to the England national team, where he has earned two caps under coach Lee Carsley after rising through the ranks of youth international representation from the Under-16s to the Under-21s.
Should Liverpool succeed in their attempt to sign Gibbs-White, it could represent not just the acquisition of talent but also bolster their competitive edge as they aim for both national and European titles. The situation remains fluid, with interested clubs closely monitoring developments as the transfer window progresses.
The dynamics of these negotiations underline the unpredictable nature of the transfer market and the significant role player performance plays. Observers will undoubtedly keep their eyes on how this situation develops, especially as Liverpool continues to seek reinforcements for their squad heading toward the summer.