News
October 11, 2025
I was sold on WhatsApp after 'electric' Man City spell - now I want Champions League breakthrough
Carlos Forbs was an unstoppable star for the Manchester City academy but he never played a first-team game before being sold to Ajax in 2023.
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Carlos Forbs, the young Portuguese winger who once set the Manchester City academy alight, has revealed that a persuasive sales pitch via WhatsApp convinced him to leave the Etihad and embark on a new chapter with Ajax. Despite his dazzling performances for City's youth teams, a first-team appearance never materialized, leading to his transfer to the Amsterdam giants in the summer of 2023.
Forbs, known for his blistering pace and eye for goal, quickly became a standout player in City's youth ranks. His electrifying displays earned him rave reviews and fueled speculation about a potential breakthrough into Pep Guardiola's squad. However, the path to first-team football at City is notoriously challenging, especially for young players facing intense competition from established stars.
While many expected Forbs to continue his development within the City Football Group, a compelling offer from Ajax, communicated partly through WhatsApp messages, ultimately swayed his decision. The Dutch club, renowned for its commitment to developing young talent and providing them with opportunities on the biggest stage, presented Forbs with a clear pathway to regular playing time and a chance to compete for major honors.
Now at Ajax, Forbs has set his sights on achieving a Champions League breakthrough. He recognizes the prestigious history of the club in the competition and is determined to play a key role in their future European campaigns. The winger believes that Ajax's attacking philosophy and emphasis on youth development will provide him with the ideal environment to hone his skills and reach his full potential.
"The opportunity to play regularly and compete in the Champions League was a major factor in my decision," Forbs stated. "Ajax has a fantastic reputation for nurturing young talent, and I'm excited to be a part of this club."
While his time at Manchester City didn't result in a first-team appearance, Forbs remains grateful for the experience and the lessons he learned within the club's academy. He now looks forward to proving himself on the European stage and fulfilling his ambition of becoming a Champions League star with Ajax. The WhatsApp messages that sealed the deal may well prove to be the catalyst for a remarkable career.
Carlos Forbs, the young Portuguese winger who once set the Manchester City academy alight, has revealed that a persuasive sales pitch via WhatsApp convinced him to leave the Etihad and embark on a new chapter with Ajax. Despite his dazzling performances for City's youth teams, a first-team appearance never materialized, leading to his transfer to the Amsterdam giants in the summer of 2023.
Forbs, known for his blistering pace and eye for goal, quickly became a standout player in City's youth ranks. His electrifying displays earned him rave reviews and fueled speculation about a potential breakthrough into Pep Guardiola's squad. However, the path to first-team football at City is notoriously challenging, especially for young players facing intense competition from established stars.
While many expected Forbs to continue his development within the City Football Group, a compelling offer from Ajax, communicated partly through WhatsApp messages, ultimately swayed his decision. The Dutch club, renowned for its commitment to developing young talent and providing them with opportunities on the biggest stage, presented Forbs with a clear pathway to regular playing time and a chance to compete for major honors.
Now at Ajax, Forbs has set his sights on achieving a Champions League breakthrough. He recognizes the prestigious history of the club in the competition and is determined to play a key role in their future European campaigns. The winger believes that Ajax's attacking philosophy and emphasis on youth development will provide him with the ideal environment to hone his skills and reach his full potential.
"The opportunity to play regularly and compete in the Champions League was a major factor in my decision," Forbs stated. "Ajax has a fantastic reputation for nurturing young talent, and I'm excited to be a part of this club."
While his time at Manchester City didn't result in a first-team appearance, Forbs remains grateful for the experience and the lessons he learned within the club's academy. He now looks forward to proving himself on the European stage and fulfilling his ambition of becoming a Champions League star with Ajax. The WhatsApp messages that sealed the deal may well prove to be the catalyst for a remarkable career.
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World