Nottingham Forest Files Legal Complaint Against Tottenham Over Gibbs-White Transfer
£60M deal frozen amid accusations of illegal approach and clause breach
The transfer of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest to Tottenham Hotspur has hit a legal roadblock after Forest launched formal proceedings against Spurs, alleging serious violations in their pursuit of the Premier League midfielder.
Forest Accuses Spurs of Unethical Conduct
According to reports from the English press, Forest has filed a legal complaint with the Premier League, claiming that Tottenham made unauthorized contact with Gibbs-White and triggered his release clause without formal club-to-club negotiation. The Reds allege this is a direct breach of Premier League rules, which forbid clubs from approaching contracted players without permission from their current club.
The £60 million (R$451 million) move was reportedly at an advanced stage, with medical tests scheduled for Friday (11) and a weekend contract signing expected. But Forest’s legal move has brought the deal to a standstill.
Confidential Clause Allegedly Leaked
Forest’s leadership is also accusing Tottenham of leaking confidential details regarding the 25-year-old’s release clause. The Midlands club believes that strategic contract information was improperly made public as negotiations progressed.
The club is pressing for the Premier League to investigate Tottenham’s actions, and is calling for possible sanctions. If the league does not act, Forest is prepared to escalate the matter to civil court, according to sources close to the situation.
Tottenham Still Confident in Completing Deal
Despite the legal friction, Tottenham remains confident of completing the signing. Gibbs-White would become the third summer signing for the North London club, following the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Japanese defender Kota Takai.
The midfielder has been on Spurs’ radar following a standout 2024–25 season with Nottingham Forest. He tallied 9 goals and 7 assists in 30 appearances, helping Forest secure 7th place in the Premier League and a Conference League spot.
