From relegation hotline to Champions League hope! Can Morgan Gibbs White take over Bedd Bruyne at Manchester City

This season's Premier League Liverpool basically secured the championship in February, and there was no suspense in the relegation game. The three newly promoted teams (Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich) were directly relegated.

The only suspense seems to be the competition for Champions League qualification. But Nottingham Forest, the exception to all this.

This season, the forest staged an incredible counterattack. Before the season started, Forest was once a big hit in relegation. But under the leadership of Nuno Espirito, the forest has been advancing all the way and was once expected to replicate the miracle of Leicester City in 2016. Although he missed the championship in the end, Forest is very likely to enter the Champions League and also reached the first FA Cup semi-final in 34 years, against Manchester City. One of the core characters of all this is Morgan Gibbs-White.

Gibbs White contributed 12 goals or assists in the Premier League this season, which is the absolute core of Forest's offensive system. Not only is he excellent in his skills—dribbling, passing, scoring comprehensively, but he also has rare speed and confrontation. Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher pointed out: "As a 10-squad, his speed gives the Forest a unique advantage."

Gibbs White's explosive power in the counterattack was particularly amazing. When he played against Wolves this season, he scored the ball in his half, ran all the way with Ellanga, and finally scored a wonderful goal. This ability is particularly valued by Manchester City.

Because Manchester City's midfield exposed problems this season, Rodri's overall speed dropped significantly after his knee injury. Kovacic, 30, Bernardo Silva, over 30, as well as De Bruyne, 33, and Gundogan, 34, lack impact and longitudinal advancement.

Therefore, Manchester City hopes to complete a midfield update this summer, and Gibbs White has become one of the targets.

Of course, Gibbs White not only has physical talent, but also has excellent ability to pass, score and read games. Former England international Danny Murphy commented: "He has comprehensive skills, dares to take risks and passes directly, and is willing to fight hard when he is out of the ball. He can be competent in the midfield duo and is a true all-round player."

However, Murphy also reminded that playing football at a top giant like Manchester City is more pressure, higher requirements, and requires more stable output, and this is what Gibbs White still needs to prove.

At the same time, someone inside the forest suggested that he stay. Troy Deni said bluntly: "If I were his agent, I would advise him to stay for another year. He is the captain, has the Champions League, and has absolute say. When going to Manchester City, the challenge is very great."

Sam Mattefys also added: "Look at the experience of Glalish and Calvin Phillips. If you can start weekly in the Forest, and what about Manchester City? Is there any guarantee?"

Gibbs White himself is a close friend of Manchester City star Foden for many years. The two have been teammates since the U17 period and won the 2017 U17 World Cup together. Gibbs White is also the godfather of Forden's children. Foden's success story at Manchester City may affect his decision.

Of course, Manchester City's first goal is still the German star Florian Werz.

Wilz is only 21 years old. This season, he helped Leverkusen break Bayern's monopoly, win the first Bundesliga championship in team history, win the German Cup, and reach the UEFA Cup final. He personally contributed 37 goals (goals + assists), was named the Bundesliga player of the season, and has shown his superstar potential.

Wilz was missing for a short time in March with an injury, but his overall figure is still far ahead. In contrast, Gibbs White has a slightly inferior data in a team like the Forest with average offensive firepower and is used to playing against the anti-counter system. This means that although he may break out at Manchester City, there is also a risk of adapting to the active offensive system.

If Manchester City are well-funded and ignore the pressure of the Financial Fairness Policy (PSR), they should have made every effort to sign Wiltz. But if Wiltz renews his contract with Leverkusen (now said it is under negotiation), then Manchester City is likely to turn to Gibbs White.

For Gibbs White, this is an important choice for his career - stay in the forest and continue to be the core, or challenge himself to become De Bruyne's successor. This summer, his future is about to be revealed.