West Ham United is delighted to announce that Michael Forbes has signed a new contract with the Club.
The U21s captain has put pen to paper on a new deal with the Hammers until June 2026.
Forbes has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the U21s, and led his side to Bristol Street Motors Trophy last 16 for the first time in the Club’s history.
A senior Northern Ireland international who made his debut in his country’s final UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland in October last year, Forbes is delighted to commit his future to West Ham.
He said: “I am over the moon, to be honest, and it is really nice to get this contract over the line. When I signed my first professional contract with West Ham, getting my next one was a huge goal of mine, so I am proud that my work in that time has been recognised and that I have done well enough to get this contract.
“It’s important that I kick on now because it’s been a really good season so far for the U21s and hopefully we can keep pushing on as a team.
“Personally, I’ve got to keep showing up and performing because there is so much more work to be done to make it to the level I want to reach.
“The message that the coaches make clear to you each day is that you have to be on it, maintain these levels, and keep working hard every day to keep this journey going.”
Sporting Director Mark Noble was also pleased to see Forbes follow a hatful of fellow young professionals and sign extended terms.
Noble said: “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. He has also impressed for his country over the last 12 months, making his Under-21 and senior international debuts for Northern Ireland.
“What is clear is that the task ahead is not an easy one for any young player, but myself, alongside Academy Manager Kenny Brown, and the coaches and staff across Rush Green and Chadwell Heath, are working hard to make sure these young players have the best chances to make a career for themselves.
“Ultimately, it is now up to Michael – as it is with the other young professionals to have signed new contracts this season – to kick on and forge their path in football.
“We believe Michael has the attributes, dedication, and desire to do just that and are excited to see what comes next for him in east London.”
A battling centre-half, who has shown his aerial dominance in both boxes during his time at Chadwell Heath, Forbes first signed on scholarship terms in 2022.
The Northern Irish teenager, who did not start playing football until the age of eleven, assumed the role of U18s captain in 2021/22 and would go on to make 41 appearances for Kevin Keen’s side.
Forbes then signed his first professional contract with the Club at the end of the 2021/22 season, in which the U18s finished second in the U18 Premier League South Division table, with 18 wins and just four league defeats.
Impressing at the Under-21 level in 2022/23 under now first-team coach Mark Robson, Forbes was also involved in the senior squad for the UEFA Europa Conference League Group B clash away to FCSB in November 2022.
He made his Northern Ireland U21 debut in September 2023 and was then called up to the senior matchday squad against Slovenia in October before making his debut as a second-half substitute against Finland the following month.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Michael on his new contract and wish him every success for his future in Claret and Blue.
