Nottingham Forest
Carlos Forbs’s player profile and analysis, as well as transfer links to Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are now in ‘advanced talks’ to snap up Ajax winger Carlos Forbs just months after he left Manchester City.
Forest fans have been left stunned this evening with reports suggesting that talks are underway over a deal for Borussia Dortmund playmaker Giovanni Reyna.
As if that potential deal isn’t exciting enough, Forest are now chasing the signature of Ajax winger Carlos Forbs too.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Forest are in advanced talks to land Forbs on loan until the end of the season.
It’s unclear if the deal would include a purchase options but Forest are now pushing to get Forbs on board alongside Reyna in an exciting double deal.
Forbs isn’t a household name just yet, so let’s dig into his career to date and what he could bring to the City Ground…
Carlos Forbs, the story so far
Forbs hails from Sintra in Portugal and after starting out with a local club, he joined the Sporting ranks in 2014.
The speedy wide man only spent one year in the ranks of the Lisbon giants before being plucked by Manchester City at the age of just 11.
Forbs – who has previously gone by the name Carlos Borges too but now goes by Forbs after a request from his mother – thrived in the City youth ranks and dazzled at Premier League 2 level.
21 goals and 11 assists in 24 games last season was a simply ridiculous record, playing predominantly down the left flank.
Forbs attracted major interest and we actually saw rumours surrounding a move to Forest back in June.
Ajax won the race though, striking a £17million deal to bring Forbs to Amsterdam as they hijacked West Ham United’s move.
Forbs has been in and out of the Ajax side though, making just six Eredivisie starts whilst bagging two goals and four assists in all competitions.
Forest may finally bring Forbs to the City Ground after all, seemingly still seeing major potential in the 19-year-old.
Carlos Forbs player profile
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 19/03/2004
- Position: Winger
- Club: Ajax
- Former clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester City
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Contract: Until June 2028
Carlos Forbs, what they say
“With Forbs I have a real winger. Forbs came in well as a right winger last week and he is also doing well in that position during training,” – former Ajax boss Maurice Steijn.
“He’s improving that side of his game (finishing) all the time and for me his performance today was full of leadership qualities with how he played for the team and helped protect Tom Galvez at the back when he needed helping. Liverpool have a unique way of playing with the way they look to penetrate your defensive line over and over again so there was a lot of defensive work for Carlos to do. So, for me it’s really beneficial to show him the benefits of working so hard for the team and then getting the opportunities and taking them,” – Manchester City EDS boss Brian Barry-Murphy.
“He is an exceptional lad and a great guy, so it is very important that we can push him in those areas where he needs to improve and that is the main part of his development really,” – More from Barry-Murphy.
Carlos Forbs to Nottingham Forest analysis
Forest snapped up two wingers over the summer as Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi arrived.
Elanga has impressed but Hudson-Odoi’s impact has been hampered by injury.
Adding another natural wide man with blistering pace to hit teams on the counter-attack would be ideal and Forbs certainly provides that.
The idea of Forbs and Elanga on the flanks is enough to scare full backs but Forest will need to see Forbs prove his end product at the top level.
That hasn’t quite happened at Ajax yet but having impressed in the City ranks, Forbs will be desperate to shine in the Premier League.
An option to buy would be preferable, just in case Forest want to keep Forbs for the long term, and this looks to be an exciting move given Forbs’ pace and potential.
