Bristol Rovers have rejected a substantial six-figure bid for Shaq Forde from an unnamed League One club.
Bristol Rovers have had a busy summer transfer window as Steve Evans makes his mark on the squad. A string of departures have been sanctioned, but one man who the Gas are eager to keep in the face of interest is Shaq Forde.
Bristol Live reports that the League Two club have rejected a substantial six-figure bid for forward Forde. The offer came in from an unnamed League One side, and it remains to be seen whether they return with a new move amid Rovers’ stern stance.
Forde had a disrupted 2025/26 season but is viewed as a key player by Evans. He is currently under contract until the summer of 2027 with the option of a further 12 months, having penned a three-year deal upon arrival in 2024.
Why Bristol Rovers are right to fend off Shaq Forde interest this summer
Forde’s time with Bristol Rovers hasn’t quite gone as planned to date. He struggled to make an impact in his debut campaign as they were relegated from League One, and his second season was disrupted by spells out through injury and suspension.
But, under Evans, the former Watford man showed signs of why the Gas parted with a decent sum to land him two years ago. Be it from the right or as an attacking midfielder, Forde ended the season with a string of strong performances as Rovers found their rhythm.
The club will feel Forde is primed for a starring role in their 2026/27 campaign, providing he can stay fit and avoid suspensions again. It is absolutely clear that the talent is there, hence the offer from a League One outfit.
If big enough money is on the table, there may be a temptation to cash in. But, with a contract option in place and goals of promotion for next term, Bristol Rovers should hold firm in a bid to retain Forde this summer.
Shaq Forde’s record under Steve Evans
The Verdict: Bristol Rovers will be ones to watch in League Two next season
Evans is among the EFL’s promotion specialist managers and he will be eager to add another to his CV with Bristol Rovers. Their excellent end to an otherwise challenging season was a source of real encouragement for the Memorial Stadium faithful.
The Gas ended the season with one loss in the last 14 games, drawing only two and embarking on an eight-game winning streak in that run too. As Evans gets the summer to work with his group and recruit to his liking, it will be hoped they’re only stronger next term.
After a string of departures, it will be hoped Rovers’ recruitment can keep them in the conversation for League Two promotion in 2026/27.
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