Tottenham Hotspur fans were left reeling after their ambitious pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White came to an abrupt halt. Just hours after signing West Ham's promising right winger Mohammed Kudus, Spurs appeared poised to secure Gibbs-White, a move that could have dramatically bolstered their attacking options following a dismal 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
However, Nottingham Forest decisively blocked the transfer, even threatening legal action against Tottenham for what they deemed an illegal approach. In a surprising twist, Forest convinced Gibbs-White to extend his contract until 2028, ending the speculation and leaving Spurs scrambling for alternatives. The club confirmed the new deal on July 26, 2025, emphasizing Gibbs-White's importance in their Premier League resurgence, having finished seventh last season and secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoff round.
Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, was reportedly instrumental in thwarting Tottenham’s efforts, reportedly lodging complaints against Spurs and persuading Gibbs-White to recommit to the City Ground. This outcome was a significant blow to Tottenham’s preparations for the 2025-2026 campaign, especially as they aim to return to the Champions League under new management.
With the Gibbs-White deal dead in the water, Tottenham’s manager Thomas Frank faces the challenge of finding a creative midfielder to fill the void. Over two weeks of pursuit ended with frustration, and now Frank must explore other options, including potential internal solutions. Lucas Bergvall, a young Swede who recently signed a new contract with Spurs, was spotted playing in the number 10 role during Tottenham’s open training session in Hong Kong. Valued at £50 million, Bergvall impressed last season and could be thrust into a more advanced role given the absence of key players like James Maddison, who is only just returning from injury, and Dejan Kulusevski, who remains sidelined with a serious knee injury.
Speaking of Kulusevski, Alasdair Gold revealed that the winger is “nowhere near returning” from patella surgery he underwent in mid-May 2025. The 24-year-old’s recovery timeline means he could miss a significant portion of the upcoming season, further intensifying Tottenham’s need for reinforcements in the attacking midfield position.
Tottenham’s transfer strategy now appears to be shifting towards a younger, more affordable midfield prospect who can develop alongside established players like James Maddison. Fabrizio Romano reported that Nottingham Forest, despite securing Gibbs-White’s contract extension, remain interested in Manchester City’s 22-year-old attacking midfielder James McAtee. Forest's £25 million bid for McAtee was rejected by Manchester City, leaving the player available in the transfer market. Tottenham had shown interest in McAtee earlier in the window but pivoted their focus to Gibbs-White. Now, Spurs could reignite their pursuit of McAtee with a more competitive offer, potentially signing a player with higher upside for roughly half the price of Gibbs-White.
McAtee, a promising talent in Manchester City's ranks, could initially serve as an understudy to Maddison in the coveted number 10 role before gradually taking on more responsibility. This approach aligns with Tottenham’s long-term vision of building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, particularly as they prepare for the European Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13, 2025.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s search for a creative midfielder has also turned to several other Premier League talents who fit the profile of a dynamic number 10 capable of transforming their midfield. Among the top candidates is Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, who has reportedly expressed a preference for joining Arsenal. However, Arsenal’s reluctance to meet his full release clause could open the door for Tottenham to swoop in. Eze impressed last season, ranking seventh in the Premier League for shots and chances created per 90 minutes, and demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, improving his pass completion rate even when closely marked.
Another intriguing option is Harvey Elliott from Liverpool. At just 22, Elliott boasts a wealth of experience, including Premier League and EFL Cup titles, as well as Champions League exposure. Despite his talent, Elliott has struggled for consistent game time at Anfield, starting only 35 of 152 possible league games over four seasons. Last season was particularly challenging due to a broken foot, limiting him to just 360 minutes on the pitch. Elliott has publicly declared his ambition to make England’s World Cup squad in 2026, which could motivate a move to Tottenham where he would likely receive more regular playing time. Statistically, Elliott ranks among the league’s elite creators, with high numbers in shots, chances created, assists, and involvement in attacking sequences.
Thomas Frank’s familiarity with Brentford’s style of play has also brought Mikkel Damsgaard into the conversation. The Danish midfielder enjoyed his best campaign last season, becoming Brentford’s first player to register 10 Premier League assists. Damsgaard’s vision and passing are exceptional, ranking just behind some of the league’s best in assists and key passes. He also excels in breaking defensive lines and winning possession in the final third, making him a natural fit for Frank’s pressing system.
Finally, Tottenham could consider Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City as a budget-friendly but riskier prospect. The 21-year-old showed promise during Leicester’s relegation season, contributing two goals and three assists. His creative output and dribbling ability compare favorably to Gibbs-White, with impressive stats in chances created, shots, progressive carries, and dribble success rate. While his end product last season was limited, El Khannouss’s underlying numbers suggest he could thrive in a more dominant team environment like Tottenham.
As Spurs embark on their pre-season tour of East Asia, the clock is ticking with the Premier League season and European Super Cup fast approaching. The club’s transfer window remains open, and the need for a creative spark in midfield is urgent. Tottenham’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White may have ended in disappointment, but the search for a transformative number 10 continues with several promising options on the horizon.
With the stakes higher than ever, Tottenham’s ability to secure the right player could define their campaign and restore hope to a fanbase eager for a return to Europe’s elite competitions.
