Former Middlesbrough player training with new club after release, boss provides update.

Former Middlesbrough striker Marcus Forss has begun training with Bolton Wanderers as he works towards securing his next club ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign.

The Finland international became a free agent earlier this summer after his contract with Middlesbrough expired, bringing an end to a spell on Teesside that included moments of promise but was ultimately disrupted by recurring injury problems.

Now, as he continues his rehabilitation and builds his fitness during pre-season, Forss has rejoined Bolton on their training camp, where manager Steven Schumacher has explained the reasoning behind the decision and hinted that the situation could develop further over the coming weeks.

Marcus Forss of Middlesbrough applauds the fans(Image: Juan Gasparini/News Images)

Middlesbrough Exit Ends Three-Year Stay

Forss officially left Middlesbrough after the expiry of his contract this summer, closing the chapter on a three-year spell with the club.

When he first arrived at the Riverside Stadium, the versatile forward quickly became an important member of Michael Carrick’s squad.

His ability to operate both through the middle and in wider attacking positions made him a valuable option, and he contributed with important goals and energetic performances during Carrick’s early period in charge.

However, despite making a positive impression, injuries gradually interrupted his progress and reduced his influence within the squad.

As competition for places increased, Forss found opportunities becoming increasingly limited, eventually leading to his departure once his contract reached its conclusion.

Injuries Disrupted His Progress

While Forss demonstrated plenty of quality during his time with Middlesbrough, fitness problems prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent starter.

Recurring injuries meant he struggled to maintain momentum whenever he appeared close to cementing a regular place in the side.

Each setback forced him to spend lengthy periods recovering rather than building on encouraging performances.

As a result, other attacking players moved ahead of him in the pecking order, making first-team opportunities increasingly difficult to secure.

The combination of limited availability and increased competition ultimately made it difficult for both player and club to justify extending their partnership beyond the end of his contract.

Productive Loan Move to Bolton

Seeking regular football, Forss spent the previous campaign on loan with Bolton Wanderers.

The temporary switch provided him with an opportunity to play consistently under Steven Schumacher while helping Bolton pursue promotion.

Throughout the season, the Finnish international became a useful member of the squad, contributing valuable experience and attacking versatility.

He scored five goals in 27 appearances across all competitions while providing important support in the final third.

Although those statistics may not appear spectacular, his overall contribution helped Bolton secure promotion to the Championship, making his loan spell a successful one from both the club’s and player’s perspectives.

Season Ended Prematurely

Unfortunately for Forss, his encouraging spell with Bolton was brought to an abrupt conclusion midway through the campaign.

In January, he suffered a serious hamstring injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

The setback prevented him from helping the club during the decisive stages of their successful promotion push and also complicated his own future.

As he continued his rehabilitation, uncertainty surrounded where he would play next following the expiry of his Middlesbrough contract.

With no immediate move confirmed, the priority became recovering full fitness before making a decision regarding the next stage of his career.

Returning to Familiar Surroundings

Rather than beginning rehabilitation elsewhere, Forss has returned to Bolton Wanderers for pre-season training.

The club have welcomed him back despite his contract situation, allowing him to continue his recovery alongside players and staff already familiar with his condition.

Bolton are currently holding part of their pre-season preparations in Slovakia, and Forss has joined the travelling squad as he works towards full match fitness.

The arrangement benefits both parties, giving the striker access to professional facilities while also increasing Bolton’s squad numbers during training sessions and friendly fixtures.

Steven Schumacher Explains Decision

Bolton manager Steven Schumacher has explained why the club decided to invite Forss back for pre-season.

According to the Wanderers boss, supporting the striker’s recovery was a straightforward decision because of the strong relationship developed during his previous loan spell.

Schumacher acknowledged that Forss suffered a significant injury while representing Bolton and believes the club has a responsibility to help him complete his rehabilitation.

He also pointed out that having Forss involved provides additional numbers during pre-season while several areas of the squad remain relatively short of players.

For Schumacher, the arrangement makes practical sense while also supporting a player who remains highly respected within the dressing room.

Fitness Improving Every Day

The Bolton manager also provided an encouraging update regarding Forss’ physical condition.

According to Schumacher, the forward continues making steady progress after months of rehabilitation.

He explained that Forss is becoming sharper with each passing training session while gradually rebuilding the fitness levels required to compete regularly.

Recovering from a serious hamstring injury naturally requires patience, but the coaching staff are pleased with the improvements already being made.

The next stage of his recovery involves accumulating valuable minutes during pre-season matches, allowing him to regain confidence before returning to competitive football.

Opportunity to Play Friendly Matches

Bolton’s pre-season programme offers Forss the ideal environment to continue his recovery.

Friendly fixtures provide competitive action without the intensity or pressure associated with league football.

Those matches will allow him to steadily increase his workload while giving coaches an opportunity to monitor his physical condition closely.

For the player, every appearance represents another step towards full fitness after an extended period on the sidelines.

The opportunity to participate regularly in pre-season games could also strengthen his chances of securing a permanent contract before the new season begins.

Permanent Move Not Ruled Out

Although Forss is currently training without a contract, Schumacher has refused to dismiss the possibility of a longer-term agreement.

The Bolton boss stressed that the immediate priority remains helping the player complete his rehabilitation successfully.

However, he also acknowledged that the situation could naturally evolve over the coming weeks.

If Forss continues progressing physically while impressing during training and friendly matches, discussions regarding a permanent deal may eventually become possible.

For now, though, no final decision has been made.

Instead, both club and player are focusing entirely on restoring full fitness before considering future options.

Strong Character Impresses Bolton

Schumacher also praised Forss’ personality and professionalism.

The manager described him as someone who enjoys an excellent relationship with both the coaching staff and his teammates.

His positive attitude and willingness to work hard throughout rehabilitation have further strengthened those bonds.

Having a respected figure around the squad during pre-season is viewed as beneficial, particularly while new players continue settling into the group.

Schumacher made it clear that welcoming Forss back required very little discussion because everyone at the club values his character as highly as his footballing ability.

Future Decision Still to Come

For the time being, Marcus Forss remains focused solely on returning to full fitness after an injury-interrupted campaign.

Training alongside Bolton Wanderers gives him an ideal opportunity to rebuild confidence, regain match sharpness, and demonstrate that he remains capable of performing at Championship level.

Whether that ultimately leads to a permanent return to Bolton or attracts interest from other clubs remains uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that both Forss and Wanderers are taking a patient approach, allowing the coming weeks to determine what the future holds.

After an unfortunate end to his Middlesbrough career, the experienced Finnish forward will now be hoping this latest opportunity marks the beginning of a successful new chapter.