The 22-year-old is Steve Cooper's 16th new addition of this transfer window after agreeing to a long-term deal at the City Ground.

Forest have smashed their transfer record by signing Gibbs-White, an England under-21 international who scored 11 goals and registered 9 assists for Sheffield United last season.

Steve Cooper’s number one target

Gibbs-White has been Forest's primary target the entire summer. The 22-year-old was coached by Steve Cooper at international level as the duo assisted England in winning the U17 World Cup.

In 2020, Cooper and Gibbs-White were reunited as the young player was loaned to Swansea City. Prior to fracturing his foot and getting recalled by Wolves, the midfielder made five appearances under Cooper, recording one goal and one assist.

In an interview prior to joining Swansea, Gibbs-White stated that at the U17 World Cup, he benefited from Steve Cooper's man-management and character.

The former Sheffield United loanee faced Forest four times on loan during the previous campaign, tallying two goals and two assists in those four outings. He also played against Forest for Wolves before heading out on loan, scoring against the Reds there too. Steve Cooper has seen enough to acquire his services in the top flight.

How will he fit in?

Gibbs-White will likely start in the ten position behind the front two, but he can also play as an eight or off the right side of a front three. 

Last season, the midfielder excelled at Sheffield United, providing a real attacking threat throughout the season, and he will look to improve in that area for Forest.

Along with his 11 goals, Gibbs-White averaged 2.4 shots per game, with one on goal. The midfielder scored every 261 minutes for the Blades and appeared to improve throughout the season.

Gibbs-White, though, was equally as creative. He carried the ball well, averaging 1.3 successful dribbles per game and was able to create numerous chances in the final third.

The 22-year-old created nine assists in 35 games and managed to produce 55 key passes that led to shots, averaging 1.6 per game.

The midfielder also won possession in the final third once per game and was fouled 1.3 times per game.

Gibbs-White was also successful in winning 1.6 aerial duels and 3.3 ground duels per match on the defensive side.

How will he fare in the Premier League?

In the Premier League, Gibbs-White has already made 46 appearances, but he hasn't had much of a chance to make an impression, much like Keinan Davis before he came from Aston Villa.

Over five seasons and 46 games, the former Wolves player averaged 36 minutes per game while he was between the ages of 18 and 22. He hasn't had enough time to demonstrate whether or not he is prepared for the Premier League.

But Steve Cooper is known for developing his teams and players, and Gibbs-White has only gotten better over his loan stints.

Before Forest agreed a fee with Wolves, Bruno Lage told his media team, “I want him to stay. He can be one of the top two or three players in the country. I believe that,” as he attempted to persuade the midfielder to remain in the West Midlands. 

The battle between two managers who have personally witnessed what Gibbs-White is capable of has demonstrated just how talented he is, and given how highly Bruno Lage values Gibbs-White and Steve Cooper is willing to pay for him, it can't be for nothing.

The fee breakdown

Forest have paid an initial fee believed to be in the region of £25 million. A further £7 million to £10 million may be paid in add-ons, with further add-ons that can take the transfer up to a maximum of £42.5 million, according to The Telegraph.

The add-ons that would increase the transfer to between £32 million and £35 million are considered likely, but those that would increase it to £42.5 million are far less likely and would require events like Forest making it to Europe.

If Forest do well this season and are required to pay the full fee, the Forest Board will consider this transfer a success.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis promised the city of Nottingham that he would financially support Steve Cooper, and he has kept his word.