NafisaNottingham Forest will want to be prepared in case Morgan Gibbs-White exits the club, but their top-choice replacement appears to have turned down a switch to the City Ground.
Manchester City are eyeing Gibbs-White in their efforts to reshape their midfield as Kevin De Bruyne leaves the club, with Forest recognising that the appeal of the former Premier League champions will be tough to resist.
Inside the club, Gibbs-White’s colleagues anticipate his departure this summer in pursuit of consistent Champions League involvement after Forest narrowly missed out on a top-five finish on the final day of the campaign.
Plans were already underway to identify a successor for Gibbs-White, but a new report seems to have quashed the likelihood of signing one of their preferred candidates for the position.
Crushing for Nottingham Forest as James McAtee decision emerges:
Dating back to the January window, Forest had shown a strong interest in James McAtee, in what appeared to be strategic forward planning by Evangelos Marinakis, getting ready for Gibbs-White’s eventual exit with a youthful, ready-to-step-in option.
However, according to the Manchester Evening News, McAtee is determined to secure a move abroad this summer.
The report stated: “James McAtee is set to leave Manchester City after the club allowed him to represent England this summer at the Under-21 European Championship.
“McAtee is believed to be keen on a move to the Bundesliga, given how he has seen similar players shine in the league and enjoy regular Champions League football.”
It’s a familiar route – even Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had a stint in Germany with mixed outcomes, though figures like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have clearly demonstrated to McAtee that the Bundesliga can serve as a launchpad for a successful career.
Nottingham Forest must re-evaluate their choices after McAtee setback:
There had been speculation that McAtee might be part of a potential swap involving Gibbs-White between Forest and Man City, but it now appears Nuno Espírito Santo would find it difficult to persuade the City youngster to remain in England.
Another option at the same club appears to be Matheus Nunes. Forest have interest in Nunes, who would bring adaptability and work rate to their midfield, although perhaps lacking the flair that would depart with Gibbs-White.
City are open to selling Nunes for a reduced fee, but a more fitting successor for Forest’s key playmaker could be Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes.
Forest have already considered a move for Fernandes, and with McAtee out of contention, the Portuguese midfielder might now emerge as the next best option should Gibbs-White make his exit.
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