Defender released by top flight outfit after Sixfields loan spell
Defender Michael Forbes has been released by West Ham United following his season-long loan at Sixfields.
The 22-year-old Northern Irish centre-back made 26 appearances in all competitions for Northampton in 2025/26 but struggled for game-time towards the end of the campaign, with his final match coming against Burton in mid-March.
Forbes played 78 times for West Ham Under-21s and Under-18s and was named in the first-team squad for a UEFA Europa Conference League tie at FCSB in Romania in November 2022. He made his senior Northern Ireland debut in November 2023 and has regularly represented his country’s under-21s team.
Forbes departs West Ham alongside fellow development players Junior Robinson, Tyron Akpata, Daniel Rigge, David Chigwada and Tom Wooster. First-team players Łukasz Fabiański and Adama Traoré are also leaving the Hammers.
"West Ham United would like to thank all those players departing for their hard work and commitment during their careers in Claret and Blue and wish them the very best in the future,” said the club in a statement.
Terry Taylor, who played alongside Forbes on loan at Cobblers, will also be a free agent, while Jake Evans remains under contract at Leicester. The situation regarding Nottingham Forest pair Kyle McAdam and Ben Hammond is yet to be resolved. Town hold an option to buy on both men after their loan spells in the second half of the season.