Carlos Forbs Shines at Club Brugge Following Ajax Exit

The journey of Carlos Forbs has taken an intriguing turn as he begins to make his mark with Club Brugge after a tumultuous period at Ajax. Once a promising talent at Manchester City, Forbs is now aiming to establish himself in senior football.

Forbs, formerly known as Carlos Borges, trained under Pep Guardiola and showcased his abilities during a remarkable 2022/23 season with the Under-21s. Despite not making a first-team appearance for City, his impressive statistics—29 goals and 18 assists—earned him the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award. His performances drew significant attention, culminating in a transfer to Ajax for £17.3 million during the summer of 2023.

Under the guidance of Ben Wilkinson, the then-manager of City’s Under-21s, Forbs became a beacon of hope for younger players, demonstrating that success at the youth level could lead to lucrative opportunities. “Carlos had one year where he was electric in the Under-21s and at the end of the season there was a massive transfer fee to Ajax,” Wilkinson stated in an interview with the Manchester Evening News. “That is a massive carrot to the players.”

Despite the high expectations, Forbs faced challenges in the Netherlands. He started five of six Europa League group matches but struggled to secure a consistent position in the Eredivisie, beginning only eight of Ajax’s 34 league matches. His time at Ajax yielded three goals and five assists across 32 appearances. The managerial changes during the season further complicated his situation.

In the summer of 2024, Forbs returned to England on a loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers. This move provided limited opportunities, with only ten Premier League appearances, one of which was a start. Wolves’ manager, Vitor Pereira, expressed concerns about Forbs fitting into his tactical system, which emphasized wing-backs and required different skills than the young winger possessed.

The following summer brought another twist when Forbs was informed via WhatsApp by Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, that he was no longer part of the club’s plans. This decision sparked controversy in the Netherlands and drew criticism from the players’ union, the VVCS, which deemed the method of communication “improper” and damaging to the players involved.

Subsequently, Forbs signed with Club Brugge for €8.5 million, netting City approximately €1.7 million due to a sell-on clause. Since joining Brugge, he has started to recapture his form, contributing three goals and three assists in 14 matches. His dynamic style has not gone unnoticed, with Brugge captain Hans Vanaken praising his speed and versatility, stating, “We all know his qualities. He’s incredibly fast and has great movement.”

As Forbs settles into his new surroundings, he is determined to translate his past promise into consistent performances at the senior level. With his eyes set on making a significant impact, he could even face his former club, City, in the UEFA Champions League later this season.

Forbs’ journey illustrates the unpredictability of a football career, filled with potential, setbacks, and new beginnings. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges young talents face as they navigate the demanding world of professional football. As he continues to develop at Club Brugge, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see if he can fulfill the lofty expectations that once surrounded him.