Manchester City have pulled off a dramatic last-minute swoop for Morgan Gibbs-White, hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s deal in shocking fashion and leaving Spurs chairman Daniel Levy furious. The English midfielder, who had been on the verge of finalizing a move to North London, was convinced to change course after a direct intervention from Pep Guardiola, catching both clubs and fans by surprise.
For weeks, Tottenham had been leading the race to sign the 24-year-old, with negotiations believed to be in the final stages and personal terms all but agreed. Gibbs-White, one of the standout performers at Nottingham Forest last season, was expected to undergo his medical with Spurs within days. However, in a stunning twist, Manchester City entered the picture and turned the entire situation on its head.
According to reports, Guardiola personally reached out to Gibbs-White, assuring him of a significant role at City and convincing him that a move to the Etihad would elevate his career to new heights. The Spanish coach’s direct involvement is said to have been the deciding factor, as the midfielder had originally been drawn to Tottenham by promises of regular playing time and a central role under Ange Postecoglou.
The sudden reversal has infuriated Spurs’ hierarchy, with sources claiming Levy was “livid” over City’s eleventh-hour intervention. Tottenham had already begun preparing Gibbs-White’s official unveiling and were reportedly planning to center their preseason marketing campaign around the new signing. Instead, they are now left scrambling for alternatives while City celebrate another high-profile acquisition.
For Manchester City, Gibbs-White represents not only a valuable addition to Guardiola’s squad but also a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming season. The midfielder’s creativity, versatility, and pressing ability make him an ideal fit for City’s system, and the transfer also deprives a potential top-four rival of a major reinforcement.
Fans on social media have been quick to react to the news, with some Tottenham supporters accusing City of “bullying the market” and “buying success yet again.” Meanwhile, City fans have praised Guardiola’s hands-on approach, calling it another example of the club’s winning mentality both on and off the pitch.
While the exact transfer fee has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest City have agreed to pay a figure well above what Tottenham had initially negotiated, signaling their determination to secure the deal at any cost. Gibbs-White is expected to undergo his medical in Manchester within the next 48 hours, with an official announcement imminent.
The move is yet another reminder of Manchester City’s growing dominance in the transfer market, where even deals thought to be nearly complete are never safe when Guardiola’s side decides to make a move. For Tottenham, it’s a bitter blow that will force them back to the drawing board, while for City, it’s another major coup that underscores their relentless pursuit of success.
