West Ham United must consider signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.
According to the Telegraph, the Tricky Trees must raise around £20 million in transfer sales before June 30 to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) again.
Forest were previously docked two points for financial infringement, a punishment that nearly cost them their Premier League status.
While they survived by the skin of their teeth, finishing six points above the drop zone, Forest are not out of the woods with PSR yet.
They’re under pressure to make a trading profit before the end of the month or risk another sanction from the Premier League.
West Ham should be looking to capitalise on their financial situation by launching a move for Gibbs-White.
The 24-year-old was the lynchpin of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and played a leading role in their survival.
Forest will be extremely reluctant to part ways with the former England Under-21 international but may be powerless to resist a decent proposal.
Forest paid around £42.5m plus add-ons to sign Gibbs-White from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022, and he has been a tremendous value-for-money addition.
Gibbs-White would be an incredible signing for West Ham
Gibbs-White was the standout performer in a side that struggled throughout the season, returning five goals and ten assists.
His creative prowess was also on display as he created a remarkable 16 big chances for his teammates while averaging two key passes per 90 minutes.
It will be tricky to pry a player of such quality from Forest, but signing Gibbs-White this summer would be a major coup for the Hammers.
Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse were West Ham’s top creators last term, but the Brazilian faces an uncertain future amid allegations of breaching betting rules.
Gibbs-White’s creative ability would be an exceptional addition to Julen Lopetegui’s squad. He could be a game-changing signing in West Ham’s bid to secure European football next term.
He is valued at around £33m on Transfermarkt, but a fee of around £40m could tempt Forest to sell.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
