The Lower Tiers understands that Finland international Marcus Forss is on the verge of making a surprising transfer, with reports confirming he has rejected offers from both Championship and European clubs to sign for an unnamed League One side. The deal is expected to be formally announced on Monday, transfer deadline day.
The 26-year-old winger has found opportunities limited this season, making only two appearances that totaled just 14 minutes of football. After a stop-start period in recent campaigns, Marcus Forss is ready to take a new step in his career to secure regular playing time.
Marcus Forss’ Middlesbrough Chapter
On 28 July 2022, Marcus Forss joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a four-year contract for a reported £3 million fee. He made an instant impact, scoring his first goal for the club in just his second appearance, a 3–2 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on 6 August 2022.
His progress accelerated under Michael Carrick, who replaced Chris Wilder as manager in October of that year. A tactical switch saw Marcus Forss deployed on the right wing in late December 2022, a move that unlocked his attacking instincts. He scored five goals in nine appearances during a purple patch, and by the end of the 2022–23 campaign, Forss had registered 10 goals in 42 matches as Middlesbrough reached the playoff semi-finals.
Injury Struggles and Recent Form
The 2023–24 season presented new challenges for Marcus Forss. A thigh injury in October sidelined him for over two months, but he still managed to score seven goals across 23 appearances once he returned. His campaign ended prematurely, however, due to a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of the start of the following season.
The 2024–25 campaign was equally frustrating. Marcus Forss returned to action with four substitute appearances but soon suffered another setback that kept him sidelined for six weeks. Despite eventually featuring 25 times over the course of the season, mostly from the bench, he only scored once as Middlesbrough endured a mid-table finish.
Marcus Forss at International Level
At international level, Marcus Forss has represented Finland since making his debut in November 2020 at just 20 years of age. He was also part of Finland’s squad at the Euro 2020 tournament, underlining his standing as one of the most exciting attacking talents to emerge from the country in recent years. His versatility, capable of operating across the frontline but especially effective on the right wing, has made him a valuable squad option for the national team.
Why League One Makes Sense for Marcus Forss
The decision of Marcus Forss to drop into League One may raise eyebrows, especially given confirmed interest from Championship and European clubs. However, the move highlights his desire to reignite his career by becoming a guaranteed starter rather than continuing in a bit-part role at a higher level.
At 26, Marcus Forss is entering what many consider to be the prime years of his career. By securing regular football in League One, he aims to rebuild confidence, find form, and potentially engineer a route back to the Championship or even beyond in the future. For Finland, a resurgent Forss would also be a major boost ahead of their upcoming international campaigns.
What Next for Marcus Forss?
The identity of his new club remains under wraps, but confirmation is expected on Monday. With the transfer window closing on the same day, Marcus Forss’ switch promises to be one of the standout deadline-day stories in English football.
For now, all eyes are on how this bold decision will shape the next phase of his career. Whether this step down proves to be a springboard back up the football ladder remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marcus Forss is determined to prove himself again.
