Bolton Wanderers Boss Responds to Barnsley Link for Will Forrester

• ·       Barnsley showed strong interest in signing Bolton Wanderers defender Will Forrester, with a move attempted during the summer transfer window but ultimately falling through due to disagreement on a permanent sale.
• ·       Forrester joined Bolton Wanderers in July 2023 on a three-year deal, having previously played for Stoke City, Mansfield Town (loan), and Port Vale.
• ·       Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher publicly addressed the speculation, emphasising Forrester's need to be "right" physically and mentally before a return to regular first-team football.
• ·       Forrester made 51 appearances for Bolton in all competitions and has experienced injuries, including a hamstring issue and a toe injury sustained at home.
• ·       Barnsley remains interested in a January approach for the 24-year-old centre-back, who is under contract with Bolton until June 2026.
• ·       Will Forrester is versatile across defensive positions and has earned praise for his performances, including a Player of the Month accolade at Bolton.
• ·       The failed summer transfer attempt was reportedly due to the two clubs not agreeing on terms for a permanent move, leaving Forrester to continue with Bolton for now.
• ·       Barnsley currently stands in sixth place in League One under Conor Hourihane's management and is keen to strengthen defensively.
• ·       Forrester’s career progression includes development through Stoke City’s academy and multiple loan and permanent moves designed to gain first-team experience.

As reported by Ollie West of The Bolton News, Barnsley have maintained a keen interest in signing Bolton Wanderers defender Will Forrester, with the South Yorkshire club making a deadline day attempt during the recent summer transfer window that ultimately failed due to a disagreement between the clubs over a permanent sale. The 24-year-old centre-back remains under contract at Bolton Wanderers until June 2026, and Barnsley are anticipated to renew their pursuit of him in the January transfer window.

Steven Schumacher, the Bolton Wanderers manager, offered measured comments on Forrester’s situation, emphasising the defender’s need to be fully fit and mentally prepared before he can cement a regular starting place. Schumacher stressed that there is "no timescale" for Forrester’s return to consistent first-team football but highlighted that the player must “get himself right” to meet the demands of League One competition.

Will Forrester signed with Bolton Wanderers in July 2023 on a three-year contract after transfers from Stoke City, Mansfield Town (loan), and Port Vale. Since joining Bolton, Forrester has made 51 appearances in all competitions and scored one goal. Notably, he has endured several injury setbacks, including a hamstring injury in January 2024 and a broken toe alongside a dislocation sustained in a fall at home in August 2024.

Despite these interruptions, Forrester’s versatility across the defensive line, being adept at centre-back, left-back, or right-back, has been recognised by managers and fans alike. His performances earned him Bolton’s Player of the Month award in February 2025.

According to Sports Updates reporting, the transfer fell through because Bolton and Barnsley could not reach an agreement on a permanent sale fee. This impasse left Forrester to remain at Bolton, where he continues to compete for a place in the side under Schumacher’s management. The inability to secure the move means Barnsley will likely have to wait until the winter transfer window to make a renewed effort.

Barnsley, managed by Conor Hourihane, currently occupies sixth place in League One after winning four of their first six fixtures, including a recent 3-1 home victory over Huddersfield Town. The Yorkshire club’s interest in Forrester stems from a desire to bolster their defensive options and add competition and depth. Forrester’s experience and positional versatility align with Barnsley’s objective of strengthening their backline to mount a promotion challenge.

Starting his career in Alsager, Forrester came through Stoke City’s academy from a young age, making his senior debut with the club in May 2021. He impressed during loan spells such as one at Mansfield Town and a permanent move to Port Vale, where he featured regularly and earned multiple Player of the Month awards. His move to Bolton was seen as a step forward, aiming to establish himself at a club with higher ambitions and expectations.

In Forrester’s own words from a prior interview with Bolton Wanderers’ official site, he expressed his commitment to the club: “Bolton is a huge club and I want to be part of this club and hopefully get it back to where it belongs.”

Despite his injury problems, Forrester has gained praise for his composure, versatility, and work ethic at Bolton. His ability to operate across defensive roles has been crucial for the squad, especially when injuries or suspensions have affected the team’s defensive stability. Manager Steven Schumacher’s trust in giving Forrester playing time when fit underscores his value to the Wanderers and their defensive strategy.

The immediate future will likely see Will Forrester focusing on regaining full fitness and competing for his starting spot as Bolton Wanderers continue their League One campaign under Steven Schumacher. Meanwhile, Barnsley’s interest ensures there will be transfer speculation surrounding the defender ahead of the January window. Bolton will want to retain their player, but any offers in the winter will be carefully considered given Forrester’s potential value.