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Tottenham shift gears after Gibbs-White snub; in talks with rival PL star

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Pranav Ravindrannair | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 11:53 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur have reingited their interest in Manchester City youngster James McAtee

After weeks of pursuing Morgan Gibbs-White, Tottenham Hotspur have been forced to look elsewhere, turning their attention to Manchester City midfielder James McAtee following Gibbs-White’s contract renewal at Nottingham Forest.

The North London club had believed a deal was close, having triggered the midfielder’s release clause. But the landscape shifted suddenly when Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stepped in to personally convince his captain to stay, offering a long-term vision that swayed Gibbs-White into signing a fresh deal until 2028.

Spurs need to react fast

While the decision was a clear setback for Tottenham, the club isn’t sitting idle. According to TBR Football, Spurs are already deep in discussions with alternative targets, with James McAtee now among those being considered as a creative reinforcement.

Alongside McAtee, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is also believed to be on the radar. Johan Lange, known for his efficiency in transfer dealings, has been exploring these options quietly in the background, preparing for the possibility that the Gibbs-White move might collapse.

Creative spark lacking in current Tottenham roster

Saturday’s back-to-back friendlies made it clear: Tottenham are lacking attacking bite without Maddison and Kulusevski. The 2-2 draw against Wycombe followed by a goalless performance at Luton Town exposed the club’s creative shortcomings.

Only a handful of real chances were carved out over the two matches, and the midfield lacked the imagination needed to unlock even third-tier opposition. With Maddison easing back from injury and Kulusevski still sidelined, Thomas Frank will need the club to bring in another playmaker before the new campaign kicks off.

McAtee, 21, offers something different. Having impressed on loan at Sheffield United, the City academy graduate has shown maturity, vision, and a knack for unlocking defences, qualities that would immediately strengthen Tottenham’s midfield.

Spurs might have missed out on their top target, but the shift in focus toward the youngster could prove to be a blessing in disguise. Unlike the Gibbs-White saga, this is a deal that appears less complicated and still fits the club’s direction of blending youth with proven Premier League potential.

Tottenham cannot afford to be caught flat-footed, especially when most of their rivals have already concluded major business. With McAtee offering Premier League experience, technical quality, and long-term value, this is the kind of deal that could inject life into the club’s summer plans, and more importantly, the team’s midfield.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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