Marcus Forss has struggled to make an immediate impact at Bolton Wanderers.
The Finnish striker scored just once in 24 Championship outings for Middlesbrough previous season, culminating in a loan move to League One.
Bolton are soaring high in the third-tier promotion race, but Forss’ game time has been limited, with the forward scoring twice in 592 league minutes.
Liam Day, FLW’s Middlesbrough Fan Pundit, believes Forss has no future on Teeside.
“I’d be shocked” – Verdict on Marcus Forss’ future with Middlesbrough
“I’d be shocked if he continues his Boro career,” Liam told Football League World when asked if he expected the Finn to be sold after his loan period finishes.
“He has definitely shown glimpses of being a clinical finisher in the Championship, but he’s dropped down to League One and is struggling to start for Bolton.”
Forss has proven to be a versatile asset for Steven Schumacher at Bolton, but he has yet to secure a sure starting berth, which is due in part to the form of Mason Burstow and Amario Cozier-Duberry, who have scored 13 of Bolton’s 27 goals so far.
Forss has three goals and an assist in the EFL Trophy for Wanderers, although he has not scored in the league since Bolton’s 2-0 victory against Wigan in September.
“I realize they’re flying, but I assumed a guy of his caliber would dominate League One. “He’s not doing that, unfortunately,” Liam continued.
“His entire game is simply not good enough. He’ll have flashes of greatness throughout, but he’s not good enough for a Championship team competing for promotion,” Liam stated, reflecting on the Finn’s future on Teesside.
“I’d be surprised if he played another minute for Middlesbrough.” There is obviously a player there, and I believe he would do much better at another League One team. He needs playing time; he is nearing the peak of his career.”
Since moving to the Riverside in 2022, Forss has shown glimpses of quality but has struggled to get off the ground, with his one goal last season being the final straw, resulting in a demotion to League One.
“He needs to get playing, and he definitely won’t do that at Boro,” Liam said.
Middlesbrough’s Premier League ambitions will have the greatest impact on Marcus Forss’ future.
Middlesbrough are flying high in the Championship, sitting second seven points ahead of Preston North End in third.
Boro started well under Rob Edwards and had established themselves as a contender; under Kim Hellberg, they appear to have shifted gears even further.
After defeating Derby County 2-1 in the Swede’s first match in charge, they have since won against Hull, Charlton, and QPR, with the latter’s latest success attracting special attention from the visiting fans.
Despite their side’s 3-1 defeat away from home, R’s fans continued to admire Middlesbrough, who now have serious promotion ambitions.
Forss has failed to raise any eyebrows in League One thus far, making a Boro comeback story implausible. The chances of this happening are much slimmer if the Teesiders are promoted to the Premier League next season, which is something fans are already hoping for.
Despite showing glimpses of quality during his career in England, the Finn has only scored 27 goals in 142 Championship outings with Boro, Brentford, and Hull.
During his tenure in West London, he did provide an assist in the Premier League for the Bees, but he was unable to make an impact under Thomas Frank.
Middlesbrough are flying, and fans are dreaming of a return to the top flight, yet this could be the end of Forss’ time at the Riverside.
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