Wolves transfer news: Morgan Gibbs-White on cusp of Molineux return despite interest from European giant
Wolves starlet Morgan Gibbs-White is set for a return to his parent club after an impeccable season on loan with Sheffield United, per a report.
Gibbs-White has been on top form whilst on loan in the Championship this season. The midfielder has been consistently starting for Paul Heckingbottom’s team and has partnered Sanger Berge nicely.
The 22-year-old has outperformed expectations in England’s second tier with Wolves now left wondering what to do with the player.
He has contributed to 22 goals throughout the campaign, comprising of 12 goals and 10 assists. This is among the top contributions in the league and shows the talent he possesses.
A report from The Athletic has outlined Bruno Lage’s intentions for Gibbs-White this summer. It is reported that Lage wanted to recall the midfielder from his loan in January.
The midfielder, however, declined as a similar situation occurred last year when he was on loan at Swansea. He was asked to come back and then spent the majority of the second half of the season on the bench.
The England Under-21 international also won the Blades’ player of the season award. It is reported that if Heckingbottom’s team had gained promotion, they would’ve enquired about acquiring his services permanently.
After two stellar seasons in the Championship, Gibbs-White has become much more well known. The report even claims that AC Milan enquired about him in January. Though, nothing has progressed since.
The report then delves further and says that if the 22-year-old does leave Wolves then it would be for a ‘substantial eight-figure fee and a hefty sell-on clause.’
Where should the future of Gibbs-White lie?
The upcoming summer transfer window could be definitive for the midfielder’s future. He will no doubt have clubs battling for his talent but where is best for his development?
The fact that Lage wanted to have the 22-year-old back in the first-team fold showcases how highly he rates him.
Gibbs-White could even be seen as the Joao Moutinho replacement as the veteran midfielder has been linked with a move away in recent weeks.
He possesses the same qualities as Moutinho and could fulfil his role well. He does typically play further up the field but his versatility is second to none.
The 22-year-old has been known to play as high up the pitch as striker or as deep as defensive midfield. He can also put a shift in on either flank.
If he stays within the Wolves set up, he would have to make minimal changes to replace Moutinho. Lage’s preferred formation of 3-4-3 would also benefit his playing style.
The two wingers often come into central spaces and operate as attacking midfielders to help supply Raul Jimenez with the service he needs.
Gibbs-White should stay at his boyhood club in summer as this could be his breakthrough season, especially with the prospect of both Moutinho and Ruben Neves leaving.