Bristol Rovers have agreed a deal to sign West Ham United U21s captain Michael Forbes on a season–long loan, ahead of the 2024/25 League One season.
The 20-year-old is yet to make his professional league debut in men’s football but has made his debut for the Northern Ireland national team, featuring in the final moments during a friendly against Finland in November.
However, the defender is now set for his first taste of first-team football with the League One side.
How did Forbes fare last season?
Due to an injury setback, Forbes made just 12 appearances for West Ham United’s U21s last season in all competitions.
This included three outgoings in the EFL Trophy, helping to keep two clean sheets in the process before their round of sixteen defeat against Wycombe Wanderers in January.
However, journalist Pete O’Rourke has now confirmed that the centre-back is set to move to the League One side for the 2024/25 campaign.
What will the defender bring to Bristol Rovers?
Despite not making any first-team appearances for the Hammers, his experience being around the squad as well as his international debut will bring unique learning qualities to Bristol Rovers.
Similarly, Forbes is the West Ham U21s captain, suggesting he will bring a lot of leadership qualities to the League One side which could help him settle quickly.
Will this move benefit Forbes’ development?
Forbes is only 20 but has yet to make his professional debut in club football and moving to a club with a proven history of developing loanees could be an exciting prospect for all parties.
Players like Elliot Anderson and Bobby Thomas have each enjoyed successful spells with the club and have since gone on to have brilliant careers to date with the former at Nottingham Forest and the latter at Coventry City.
Having the ability to build on from his international debut will only continue to make Forbes a better footballer.