Nottingham Forest still want ‘special’ player despite new Morgan Gibbs-White deal

Nottingham Forest may have secured one of their biggest off-season victories by tying down Morgan Gibbs-White to a new long-term contract, but the club is far from finished in the attacking department. Despite securing the services of their talisman until 2029, multiple sources confirm that the club remains actively in pursuit of another “special” creative player—one they believe can elevate the squad’s offensive potential to Premier League upper-mid-table status.

Forest’s hierarchy—led by sporting director Ross Wilson and head coach Nuno Espírito Santo—is fully aware that relying solely on Gibbs-White for creativity is not a sustainable approach, especially as the club prepares for a defining 2025/26 campaign. In a summer of strategic planning, Forest are targeting a dual-creator model that could see another marquee playmaker arrive at the City Ground.

So, who is the “special” player Forest still want? Why are they pushing for more attacking creativity despite their commitment to Gibbs-White? And how would a new arrival complement—not compete with—the club’s newly re-signed midfield star?

In this in-depth analysis, we break down the latest transfer developments, examine Forest’s tactical outlook, evaluate the new contract’s implications, and reveal the shortlist of creative targets the club is actively pursuing.

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Morgan Gibbs-White: The Crown Jewel Stays

On paper, Nottingham Forest’s decision to hand Morgan Gibbs-White a new five-year contract is a statement of intent. After weeks of speculation linking the England U21 international with moves to Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and even Newcastle United, Forest moved swiftly to quell speculation and lock down their most prized asset.

Gibbs-White has flourished since his £25 million move from Wolves in 2022, becoming the heartbeat of Forest’s attack. Last season alone, he notched 8 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, leading the team in chance creation, progressive passes, and touches in the opposition box.

The new deal reportedly includes a salary increase, bringing him closer to Forest’s highest earners, and a performance-based bonus structure that could increase over time.

In the club’s official announcement, Gibbs-White said:

“This club believed in me when I needed it most. I want to repay that faith by helping us move forward. We’re not here just to survive—we want to compete.”

While this is a massive morale boost, insiders say Forest do not view this as the end of their creative rebuilding project.

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Forest’s Creative Conundrum: One Man Isn’t Enough

Behind the scenes, Forest’s technical team believes the club is too reliant on Gibbs-White. With the departures of Gio Reyna (returning to Dortmund after a short loan), Divock Origi, and the inconsistent form of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest were left with limited reliable creative options, especially in matches where Gibbs-White was either neutralized or unavailable.

Nuno Espírito Santo, a manager known for his cautious and structured style, reportedly wants two playmakers in his system—one who can operate behind the striker (Gibbs-White’s domain), and another who can either drift wide, drop deeper into midfield, or provide technical security in possession.

Forest’s goal is to mimic the dual-creative systems used successfully by clubs like Brighton (with Pascal Groß and Kaoru Mitoma), or Brentford (with Jensen and Mbeumo), offering layered creativity from multiple zones.

With Gibbs-White now secured, Forest are back in the market for a second playmaker—one considered “special” by scouts and with the profile to share the creative burden.

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The Target: Arda Güler Emerges as Dream Signing

One of the players repeatedly linked with Forest is Arda Güler, the Real Madrid starlet who dazzled during Euro 2024 with Turkey and is reportedly open to a Premier League loan this season to gain regular first-team experience.

Forest insiders describe Güler as a “special profile”—a left-footed magician capable of playing as a No. 10, inverted winger, or deep-lying playmaker. Though Madrid are unlikely to sell the 19-year-old permanently, the idea of a one-year loan with guaranteed minutes could tempt both the player and his parent club.

Güler’s ball retention, quick turns in tight areas, and long-range shooting ability make him an ideal complement to Gibbs-White. With Gibbs-White operating between the lines and Güler drifting wide or dictating tempo from deeper, Forest’s attack would instantly become one of the most technical in the league.

However, competition is fierce. Newcastle, Sevilla, and Bayer Leverkusen have also expressed interest. Forest would need to offer Güler a key role, not just squad depth, to stand a chance.

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Other “Special” Alternatives Being Explored

While Güler remains the dream, Forest are also exploring several other options:

1. Jesper Lindstrøm (Napoli)

Forest have reportedly made inquiries about the availability of Jesper Lindstrøm, the Danish playmaker who struggled for game time under multiple managers at Napoli last season. Valued at around £17 million, Lindstrøm is known for his movement, creative vision, and work rate—attributes that align with Nuno’s tactical expectations.

Napoli may prefer a loan with an obligation to buy, while Forest are pushing for an option-based structure.

2. Daichi Kamada (Free Agent)

Japanese international Daichi Kamada is a free agent after leaving Lazio and has been offered to several Premier League clubs. Forest are considering a short-term deal for the former Eintracht Frankfurt man, who is comfortable operating as a 10 or an advanced 8.

At 27, Kamada would bring experience, Champions League pedigree, and the ability to unlock low blocks—something Forest struggled with last season.

3. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City)

Though less likely now that Leicester earned promotion, Forest were tracking Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earlier in the summer. His familiarity with Premier League football and creative output for the Foxes made him a target. However, his valuation of over £25 million makes a deal difficult unless Leicester are forced to sell under PSR constraints.

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Tactical Possibilities: How a Second Creator Changes Forest’s Shape

Adding another creative player does not mean sidelining Gibbs-White—it means unlocking him.

Last season, Nuno experimented with a 4-2-3-1, 3-4-2-1, and 4-3-3. The most effective system saw Gibbs-White operate behind the striker, but he was often isolated when Forest sat deep. With a second creative figure—someone who can either play wide or in the half-spaces—Forest would have more verticality and technical confidence, especially in possession-heavy situations.

Here’s how it could look with Güler or Lindstrøm:

4-2-3-1 Formation

• GK: Matz Sels
• RB: Neco Williams
• CB: Murillo
• CB: Boly/Niakhaté
• LB: Ola Aina
• CM: Sangaré
• CM: Danilo
• RW: Arda Güler / Lindstrøm
• CAM: Gibbs-White
• LW: Hudson-Odoi / Elanga
• ST: Taiwo Awoniyi / New Striker

In this system, the opposition can’t double-team Gibbs-White without risking space on the flanks or between lines. It would also reduce Forest’s long-ball dependency and help in controlling games.

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The Financials: Can Forest Afford a Big Signing?

With the Premier League cracking down on Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Forest’s transfer budget is being carefully monitored. The club has already trimmed wages with the departures of Origi, Reyna, and Felipe. Additionally, Forest are working to offload fringe players like Josh Bowler, Harry Arter, and Emmanuel Dennis.

Sources estimate Forest have around £25–30 million in transfer flexibility, with additional funds potentially available from outgoing deals.

Forest are looking to structure deals creatively—favoring loan-to-buy agreements, performance-based add-ons, or installment payments. The club’s recruitment strategy is no longer based on quantity, but quality and fit.

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Forest Fans React: Ambition Meets Caution

Forest supporters have largely welcomed the new Gibbs-White deal, viewing it as a signal that the club is determined to build for the future. However, many fans have voiced concerns that the squad still lacks depth in key creative areas—especially if injuries or suspensions arise.

On fan forums and social media, names like Güler, Kamada, and Lindstrøm have generated excitement. But there’s also a call for balance: fans want Forest to remain ambitious without repeating the chaotic 2022 transfer window that saw over 20 signings.

One Forest fan on Twitter summed it up:

“Delighted Gibbs-White is staying. Now get him help. We can’t rely on him for everything again.”

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What Happens Next?

Forest are expected to make contact this week with at least one of their top targets, with a preference for sealing a deal before the start of pre-season friendlies in August. A creative addition is seen as essential before the season opener, particularly with a tough early fixture list that includes matches against Chelsea, Brighton, and Manchester United.

As Nuno Espírito Santo prepares his side for a competitive and possibly transformative season, one thing is clear: securing Gibbs-White was only Step One. Step Two? Find the special player who can elevate the club from survival mode to sustainable success.

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Conclusion: The Vision for a New Forest

In re-signing Morgan Gibbs-White and actively seeking a second “special” creator, Nottingham Forest are showing signs of strategic maturity. They are no longer the desperate, scattergun operators of previous windows. Instead, they are methodically building a squad with layered talent, tactical flexibility, and creative variety.

The next signing will be crucial—not just in terms of skill but in terms of statement. It will show whether Forest are ready to evolve from perennial relegation battlers into a consistent, mid-table Premier League force.

For Gibbs-White, it’s a chance to lead alongside a new partner. For Forest fans, it’s hope. For the Premier League, it’s a warning: Nottingham Forest are building something, and they’re not finished yet.