Morgan Gibbs-White has been told by Nottingham Forest legend Des Walker that the club can continue to satisfy his No.10 “ego” at the City Ground, without the need for a transfer elsewhere. The England international, who has already proven his ability in the Premier League, naturally draws attention from other clubs, but Walker believes Gibbs-White can maintain his “main man” status in Nottingham.

Since arriving at Forest in 2022 for a deal that could rise to £42 million ($56m), Gibbs-White has established himself as a talismanic figure both on and off the pitch. His performances have steadily improved, and with every passing season, the club has been happy to activate various performance-related clauses in his contract.

At times, in the absence of Ryan Yates, Gibbs-White has even captained the side. His numbers in crucial metrics such as goals and assists have shown consistent growth, reflecting his increasing influence within the squad.

Last season marked a personal best for the midfielder, with 18 goals across all competitions — 15 of those coming in the Premier League — alongside a handful during Forest’s impressive run to the Europa League semi-finals.

That success came after Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis rejected a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. Gibbs-White subsequently signed a new contract to remain at the City Ground, though he narrowly missed out on selection for England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

His omission raised questions about whether Nottingham Forest can match Gibbs-White’s personal ambitions, sparking renewed speculation over a possible move. Yet, the player remains a fan favourite and a central figure in the Forest dressing room.

When asked if admiration from the club and supporters would be enough to keep Gibbs-White in Nottingham, Walker — speaking exclusively to GOAL in connection with World Cup betting — said: “It depends on the individual’s ego, doesn’t it? When you join a big club, you have to believe in yourself, walk into that squad and think, ‘I’m the man.’ If you have that confidence, it works.”

He added: “He’s got ability, very good ability, and at Forest they absolutely love him. Sometimes, when he’s not as consistent, they overlook it — but at big clubs, nothing goes unnoticed. You’re under constant scrutiny.”

Walker continued: “It all comes down to how far he thinks he can go. Number 10s are superstars — they like to be in the spotlight, and he certainly does. At Forest, he already has all the attention he could want. But sometimes, players crave that big move for more recognition, although it can also become a burden.”

As Nottingham Forest prepare to begin a new chapter under Austrian head coach Oliver Glasner, Gibbs-White remains one of the first names on the team sheet. His commanding presence has made it challenging for other creative players to secure consistent minutes.

Among those facing a fight for a starting place is James McAtee, who joined Forest from Manchester City for £30 million ($40m) in the summer of 2025. The former England U21 captain struggled to make an impact in his debut season, scoring only once — from the penalty spot in a European competition — and featuring for just 289 minutes in the Premier League.

Discussing McAtee’s situation and his need to improve in the 2026-27 campaign, Walker explained: “Moving clubs is always tough. At Manchester City, you have 70% possession, so it’s easier to look comfortable. But at Forest, you sometimes have to battle for the ball, deal with 50-50s, and stay in the game. It’s a completely different challenge.”

He added: “It’s difficult, but in your second year, you have to find a way to impose yourself on matches. You’ve got to make a tangible difference on the pitch, and so far, he hasn’t done enough to justify a regular starting spot.”

Gibbs-White’s current contract at Nottingham Forest runs until 2028, and there are suggestions that discussions about a potential extension could take place if both parties wish to continue their successful partnership.

As for McAtee, while there had been rumours of another move, speculation has eased for now. He looks set to remain part of Glasner’s plans, with the club expected to strengthen the midfield further following the record-breaking £116 million ($156m) sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.