West Ham United Prospect Agrees League One Move

West Ham United U21s captain Michael Forbes has agreed to join League One side Bristol Rovers on loan, according to a report from Football Insider.

The young Nothern Irish international joined West Ham in 2020, on a two-year scholarship deal from Dungannon Swifts. The 20-year-old signed his first professional contract at the end of the 2021/22 season and has since penned a new deal with the Hammers that will keep him at the club until June 2026.

Forbes was handed his international debut in November 2023 by current Northern Irish manager Michael O’Neill despite not making his senior debut at club level. However, the young centre-back has featured in the first-team matchday squad, being named on the bench in the Hammers’ Europa Conference League group stage clash with Romanian side FCSB.

Making 12 appearances last season in all competitions for the academy, the young Irons finished runners-up in Premier League 2, while also reaching the EFL Trophy Round of 16.

Forbes is now set to get a taste of League One football at the Gas with the view of breaking into the West Ham first team in the future. Rovers are now set to make their eighth signing of the summer, with Forbes being their sixth defensive addition in the window so far.

Mark Noble, West Ham United legend and now Sporting Director, was full of praise for the defender, saying this in an interview with the club:

West Ham United Join Transfer Battle For Championship Star

“Michael is a great character and professional, one highly regarded by both teammates, staff, and coaches at the Academy, and we are all delighted to see his journey continue at West Ham United.

“This new contract shows our faith and belief in Michael to continue the progress he has made during the past few years. He has gone from strength to strength in the role of U21s captain this season, helping his side to an impressive run to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy last 16.”

Writer’s View

Forbes’s potential loan spell at the Pirates could be a good move for both sides. In recent years, Bristol Rovers have had great success with loanee centre-backs, with the likes of now Liverpool and England prospect Jarell Quansah and Ipswich Town star Elkan Baggott all showing their qualities in League One.

This loan move could help propel the Nothern Irish international’s career even further, adding Football League experience to his CV as he continues to fight for a place in the West Ham United first team.

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