Key Points
- · Bolton Wanderers have signed Finnish striker Marcus Forss on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough.
- · Forss, 26, brings Championship and Premier League experience, including notable spells at Brentford, Hull City, and Middlesbrough.
- · Forss previously scored twice against Bolton while on loan at AFC Wimbledon.
- · He looks forward to contributing goals to help Bolton challenge at the top end of League One.
- · Forss praised Bolton’s playing style and positive team outlook under manager Steven Schumacher.
- · The loan move represents a fresh start for Forss after injury struggles in 2024/25.
- · Forss wears squad number 24 and is Bolton's 13th signing of the summer transfer window.
- · Former Swansea defender Cyrus Christie also joined Bolton on a one-year deal.
- · Forss has a background with youth training at West Bromwich Albion and has international experience with Finland.
What is the significance of Marcus Forss joining Bolton Wanderers on loan?
As reported by Paul Wheelock of The Bolton News, Bolton Wanderers secured the season-long loan signing of Marcus Forss from Championship side Middlesbrough in a key deadline-day move to boost their attacking options. Forss, a 26-year-old Finland international, brings a wealth of experience with a career spanning Premier League action with Brentford, a prolific loan spell at AFC Wimbledon, and solid Championship performances for both Middlesbrough and Hull City. The signing aims to provide competition and goals to strengthen Bolton’s assault on League One success.
How has Marcus Forss performed in his previous clubs?
According to detailed coverage by Bobby Billings in an article on Bolton’s official website, Forss is a forward with a strong goalscoring pedigree. He began his career in England’s West Bromwich Albion youth setup and earned a breakthrough at Brentford where he notably scored 11 goals in the Championship during the 2020-21 season and contributed to their promotion campaign. He demonstrated cup prowess with nine EFL Cup goals, tying a club record. His loan spell at AFC Wimbledon featured 11 goals in 17 starts, including memorable goals against Bolton at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. In the summer of 2022, Forss moved to Middlesbrough on a four-year deal and scored double figures in his first Championship season there. Despite an injury-hit 2024-25, Forss showed resilience and readiness to make an impact at Bolton.
What has Marcus Forss said about joining Bolton?
In an exclusive interview cited by Wheelock of The Bolton News, Forss expressed excitement about his loan move and his desire to score regularly for the "Whites". He reflected, “I really enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, but I needed a fresh start. When this came about, I was excited for the challenge... I got a really good, positive idea about the club and the way the manager wants to play and where I fit in.” Forss also acknowledged his previous success against Bolton and his familiarity with League One’s physical demands, stating, “League One is a different kind of league and it's probably more physical. But I've been there and done it and experienced it and now I’m just looking forward to getting back out there.”
What does Marcus Forss aim to achieve at Bolton Wanderers?
The player is keen to help Bolton climb the League One table and challenge for top positions. Forss said, “I've always had an eye for a goal from different kinds of positions. It's not just one type of goal, it's all types... I think it’s the right place at the right time, so I’m here to prove it.” Wearing squad number 24, Forss hopes to bring consistency in front of goal and bolster the team’s attacking threat under manager Steven Schumacher.
Who else has joined Bolton Wanderers alongside Forss?
As reported by the BBC’s football correspondent, Bolton also signed defender Cyrus Christie, the Republic of Ireland international formerly of Swansea City, on a one-year deal with an option for an additional year. Christie’s arrival alongside Forss signals Bolton’s ambition to strengthen both attack and defence for the 2025-26 League One campaign.
What is Marcus Forss’s international background?
Forss has represented Finland at the international level. He made his debut for his country in November 2020 and participated in Euro 2020. His experience on the international stage complements his club career, adding valuable exposure to high-level competition.
How has Forss’s recent form and fitness influenced this loan move?
Forss’s recent seasons have been disrupted by injury, as highlighted by the chronological overview of his career on Wikipedia and official club sources. After a thigh injury sidelined him for over two months and a subsequent hamstring setback, Forss made limited appearances in the early part of the 2025-26 season for Middlesbrough. The loan to Bolton offers him the opportunity to regain match fitness, form, and confidence while providing Bolton with a forward eager to prove himself fully fit and impactful.
What comments have the clubs made about this loan deal?
While direct quotes from manager Steven Schumacher are not included in the available sources, the signing itself indicates Bolton Wanderers’ strategy to boost their striking options and overall squad depth as they aim for promotion from League One. Forss joining Bolton is part of their summer transfer activities, marking their 13th signing of the window, showing substantial investment and intent to compete strongly.