Max Wilkins

Thu 30 April 2026 8:10, UK

Morgan Gibbs-White could earn himself a move to Aston Villa with his performances in the Europa League semi-final.

The Villans are preparing for their first leg clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, knowing that a place in the showpiece final in Istanbul is at stake.

Things certainly won’t be easy in the East Midlands after Vitor Pereira’s side hit a stunning run of form in recent weeks.

The attacking midfielder has played a key role in that turnaround as he continues to represent the Reds’ talisman in attacking areas.

That is bound to cause interest in his signature, with Villa set to get a good look at Gibbs-White in their upcoming double header in the Europa League.

Aston Villa keeping a close eye on Morgan Gibbs-White

The claret and blue outfit looks destined for Champions League football next season, so bringing in quality summer signings needs to be a priority.

The Forest star would certainly fill that criteria after proving just how good he can be in the past four years at the City Ground.

This season has been by far his best in front of goal, and that has helped the Reds to a European semi-final while looking set to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Former Villa scout Bryan King believes there will be interest from B6 in his signature this summer, with the upcoming Europa League clashes acting as a perfect scouting mission.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “He’s certainly come to life in the last few weeks, and he’s been scoring goals for fun.

“You can’t give him goals, but Villa have been giving them away recently.

“Maybe he could be an option for Villa to sign in the summer.

“There were two or three clubs in for him last summer before he signed a new deal and changed everything.

“He can put himself in the shop window in the Europa League semi-finals in a big game for both teams.”

Gibbs-White has been linked to Villa previously, but the upcoming summer window may be the time when the claret and blue outfit finally strike.

How good has Gibbs-White been for Nottingham Forest?

The number 10 made a big-money move to the East Midlands back in the summer of 2022 and was met with surprise due to his sizable fee.

He had put in a positive shift on loan at Sheffield United in the previous season, but that still came as a surprise to many.

Gibbs-White has proven to be worth that fee, as he has sometimes carried the Reds single-handedly up and away from the relegation zone.

That has certainly been the case this season with his 13 goals and three assists in the Premier League, massively boosting his side’s fortunes.

He has also created 45 chances for his teammates, but what Villa will like to see is that he doesn’t shirk his responsibilities going the other way.

The Englishman has chipped in with 166 defensive actions and 121 duel wins this campaign, proving that he also has an excellent work rate.

Gibbs-White has been superb for Forest and would certainly make for a top signing in B6 if Unai Emery and Co. could get it over the line.