Manchester City are preparing for life without Kevin De Bruyne, and the club has already started working on finding the perfect replacement. After nine successful years at the club, De Bruyne is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. It is going to be a huge change for the club and for the fans, because De Bruyne has been one of the best players in the Premier League for nearly a decade. He helped City win many trophies, created countless chances, and has been the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s team. But as time passes, every great chapter must come to an end, and City are now focused on the future. That future might just include Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City are now leading the race to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been in great form for Nottingham Forest this season. The midfielder has impressed many with his performances, and his creativity, energy, and intelligence on the pitch have caught the attention of several top Premier League clubs. According to reports, Liverpool and Manchester United are also monitoring the player closely, but it is City who have made the biggest move so far and are currently in the best position to sign him.
The club had originally looked at Bayer Leverkusen’s young star Florian Wirtz as their number one target to replace De Bruyne. Wirtz has been one of the most exciting young players in Europe, and his performances in Germany have been outstanding. But things have changed recently. City are now focusing more on Gibbs-White, who not only has Premier League experience but also fits perfectly into the kind of system Guardiola likes to play. He is quick with the ball, can make sharp passes, and is not afraid to take risks in the final third.
What makes this story even more interesting is the personal connection between Gibbs-White and Phil Foden. The two are very close friends, and in fact, Gibbs-White is the godfather to Foden’s son, Ronnie. That relationship could play a very big role in the transfer. Foden is a key part of Guardiola’s team and someone who understands the City philosophy very well. If he supports the idea of bringing in his close friend, it could help the club convince Gibbs-White to choose City over other top clubs. Having someone you trust already at a new club can make a big difference, and City might use that as a major advantage in their pursuit of the player.
Gibbs-White has been one of the most important players for Nottingham Forest this season. Under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest are not only fighting to stay in the Premier League, but they are also pushing for something even greater – qualification for the UEFA Champions League. That goal may have seemed impossible at the beginning of the season, but thanks to players like Gibbs-White, Forest have managed to keep up with the bigger teams. His ability to carry the ball, link up with teammates, and create chances has been vital for Forest’s progress.
The 2024/2025 season has been a special one for the player. Many people were not expecting Forest to do so well, but Gibbs-White has shown that he is ready to play at a higher level. He has matured a lot and now looks like someone who can take responsibility on the pitch. Whether it’s a tight game or a big moment, he steps up and makes his presence felt. This is exactly the kind of quality that Manchester City need to replace someone like De Bruyne. It’s not just about skill – it’s about leadership, confidence, and having the courage to make a difference.
At just 25 years old, Gibbs-White has many more years ahead of him. He has already gained valuable experience in the Premier League, and moving to a club like Manchester City would give him the chance to grow even more under one of the best managers in football. Pep Guardiola is known for developing talented players and helping them reach their full potential. If Gibbs-White joins City, he could become one of the most complete midfielders in Europe. He would be learning alongside world-class players and working with a coach who demands excellence every day.
For Nottingham Forest, losing Gibbs-White would be a big blow, especially if they manage to qualify for the Champions League. The club is building something exciting, and they would love to keep their best players for as long as possible. But when a team like Manchester City comes calling, it becomes very difficult to say no. Forest will try to convince him to stay, but ultimately, the decision will be up to the player. If he feels that it’s time to take the next step in his career, he might decide to leave.
City have always been good at planning for the future. When important players leave, they make sure they bring in quality replacements. The club doesn’t want to be caught unprepared. With De Bruyne leaving this summer, the club knows that they need someone who can step into that role and deliver right away. Gibbs-White might not be as experienced as De Bruyne, but he has shown that he has the talent and mindset to grow into that position. City are ready to invest in him because they believe he can become even better with the right support.
Another reason why City are moving fast is because they know other clubs are also interested. Liverpool and Manchester United are two of the biggest rivals in the Premier League, and both are looking for creative midfielders. If City wait too long, they might lose their chance to sign him. That is why they are working behind the scenes to make sure everything is in place. They want to make an offer that will be hard to refuse – both for the player and for Nottingham Forest.
The next few weeks are going to be very important. Nottingham Forest still have important games to play, and Gibbs-White will play a key role in those matches. Forest are doing everything they can to stay in the top four and secure a place in next season’s Champions League. The player himself will not want to be distracted by transfer talks until the season is over. He will be focused on helping his team finish strongly. But once the season ends, the conversation about his future will become very serious.
Manchester City are ready. They know what they want, and they are not afraid to go after it. Replacing someone like Kevin De Bruyne is not easy. He is one of the greatest players in the history of the club. But football moves on, and City believe that Gibbs-White could be the next big name to lead their midfield. They are confident in their project, and they believe the player would be a perfect fit. Whether it’s his connection with Foden, his performances for Forest, or his style of play, everything points to this being a smart move.
For Gibbs-White, this is a chance to make a big decision. He has worked hard to reach this point in his career. A move to Manchester City would change his life and give him the chance to compete for the biggest trophies in football. It would also give him a platform to show the world just how good he can be. It’s not just about joining a big club – it’s about proving that you belong there, that you can be a star at the highest level. If he joins City, all eyes will be on him, and he will have the chance to write his own chapter in the club’s history.
As the season draws to a close, the football world will be watching closely. Will Gibbs-White stay at Forest and continue the journey with Nuno Espirito Santo? Or will he take the next step and become a Manchester City player, following in the footsteps of Kevin De Bruyne? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this story is far from over, and the summer transfer window is going to be full of drama, excitement, and big decisions.
