Morgan Gibbs -White has struck Sensational Tottenham and will stay in Nottingham Forest – thanks to a dramatic intervention by forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Greek billionaire flew to the club's training camp in Portugal for face-to-face conversations with Gibbs-White, who stood in line to join Premier League-rival Spurs in a £ 60 million deal.
And Marinakis won the English star with a passionate speech about how important he was for Bos and their ambitious plans for the future.
Gibbs-White, 25, has now signed an improved and extensive contract until 2028 on the city in a big blow to Tottenham and executive chairman Daniel Levy.
Earlier this month, Spurs activated the £ 60m release clause of the player, which gave rise to furious steps of Forest.
But after more than fourteen days of uncertainty, Marinakis took decisive steps to end the Saga.
Gibbs-White, 25, initially did not fly to the Algarve with the rest of the forest team for personal reasons, but joined them later last week.
Marinakis arrived before the friendly Saturday night against Fulham and started to meet Gibbs-White.
He told the star that he was determined to keep making the forest bigger and stronger and how he wanted the former Wolves man to be central.
Gibbs-White is supposed to be so impressed by the enthusiasm and vision of Marinakis for the future of Forest that he agreed not to pursue a transfer to Tottenham.
It is assumed that his new deal does not include a release clause.
In addition to a photo of the midfielder next to Marinakis, Forest confirms the new contract of Gibbs-White: “A declaration of intent from our owner Evangelos Marinakis, while Morgan Gibbs-White signs a record contract until the summer of 2028.”
When signing the deal, Gibbs-White said: “I felt at home in Forest from the moment I arrived.
“The support of the fans, my teammates and everyone in the club has been incredible.
“I believe in what we are building here – and with the support of Mr Marinakis and the enormous ambition he has, I want to be part of making something special. I am enthusiastic about what is to come.”
Marinakis, 57, added: “Morgan is a special player – not only in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless and pride.
“There was a lot of interest from different clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan in its heart. I promised our fans that we would not only compete, but would be stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey.”
The decision of Gibbs-White will be a huge disappointment for Spurs.
They focused on the attacking midfielder to be the creative hub of a renewed team among the new boss Thomas Frank, where Levy led the attempt to sign him.
But everyone in Forest will be happy that one of their most important players will remain after Marinakis has taken matters into their own hands.
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