Bolton Wanderers Assessing Marcus Forss
Bolton Wanderers are taking another look at Marcus Forss as they prepare for their return to the Championship.
The Finland international is training with Steven Schumacher’s squad following his release by Middlesbrough at the end of June. Bolton will use pre-season to assess the striker before deciding whether to offer him a permanent contract.
Forss spent last season on loan with the Trotters and made 25 appearances in all competitions. He scored five goals and provided one assist as Bolton secured promotion through the League One play-offs, although injuries limited his involvement at different stages of the campaign.
The 27-year-old has now returned to the club as a free agent. That gives Bolton the chance to examine his condition and determine whether he can strengthen an attacking department that already includes Kyliane Dong and Sam Dalby.
Forss joined Middlesbrough from Brentford in 2022 and has plenty of experience at Championship level. He has also represented Hull City on loan and can operate as a central striker or from a wider attacking position.
A permanent return would not require a transfer fee, potentially allowing Bolton to spend their available budget elsewhere. Forss also knows Schumacher’s methods and would not need the same settling-in period as a completely new arrival.
Bolton defeated Stockport County in the play-off final at Wembley to earn promotion, bringing an end to their seven-year absence from the Championship. Their recruitment will now be focused on building a squad capable of staying in the division, rather than simply rewarding those involved in the promotion campaign.
Forss helped them get there, but the next few weeks will determine whether he is also part of their plans for the step up.
Comments Welcome!