'He will' - Watford update on wonderkid contract after 'belter' brace

Leyton Orient striker Shaq Forde is set to be offered a new contract by parent club Watford at the end of the season as the Hornets look to incorporate the talented teenager into their side.

That's according to The Mirror sports writer Mike Walters, who shared the update on social media platform X after the 19-year-old scored twice for the Os against Carlisle United last weekend. Walters wrote: "I’m told he WILL be coming back to Watford next season armed with a new contract. Leyton Orient very happy with him."

Forde is the son of former Watford striker Fabian Forde and signed a professional contract with the club in 2022. Watford did not confirm how many years were on that deal at the time.

The teenager, who came through the youth system at Watford, was loaned to the League One club at the start of the season and has eight league goals this term in 25 appearances - only 13 of which have been starts. Forde has become a regular in Richie Wellens' starting XI since November and has been deployed on the right wing.

The loanee placed a 'belter' of a shot in the back of the net from the edge of the box against the Blues on Saturday before popping up on a set play shortly before half-time to put his side 2-1 ahead. Orient went on to win that fixture 3-2 and are now unbeaten in eight outings having won against Port Vale on Tuesday night too.

Forde made his debut for Watford as a 17-year-old in an FA Cup defeat to Leicester in January 2022 but hasn't played for the Hornets' first team since. He has previously impressed on loan at Kings Langley and York City.

Speaking of his playing style in 2022, Forde said: "Creative, powerful and always looking to go forwards. I don’t have a preference where I play if I’m honest, I just try to help out the team."

News of Forde's likely return to Vicarage Road at the end of the campaign comes as pressure mounts on Valerien Ismael, whose side has failed to score in their last three outings.