In a move that has been brewing for weeks, Leyton Orient have officially secured the signature of defender Will Forrester from Bolton Wanderers, marking their first major acquisition of the January transfer window. The 24-year-old centre-back arrives in East London on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, with both clubs confirming the deal on January 8, 2026. Forrester, who had become a peripheral figure at Bolton due to injury setbacks and increased competition, now looks set for a fresh start as he aims to help Orient steer clear of relegation danger in League One.
Forrester’s journey to Leyton Orient is a story of perseverance, adaptation, and the unpredictable twists of a football career. Having begun his professional career at Stoke City, the defender made the switch to Port Vale in 2022, where he impressed with 38 appearances in a single season. That form earned him a move to Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2023 for a reported £250,000, with hopes high for a breakthrough in the third tier of English football.
His early months at Bolton under Steven Schumacher showed promise, as Forrester quickly became a regular starter and contributed to the club’s push towards the top of League One. Across three seasons at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, he made 53 appearances in all competitions, including 43 starts, and found the net once in the FA Cup. Notably, he was part of the squad that reached the League One play-off final in the 2023-24 campaign—a highlight in his time with the Trotters.
However, Forrester’s Bolton journey was far from smooth. Injuries, most notably a hamstring problem suffered in a league match against Bristol Rovers on April 5, 2025, severely hampered his ability to cement a regular place in the starting eleven. After being forced off after just 16 minutes in that match, he struggled to regain his spot. Despite returning to fitness, he found himself unable to dislodge the likes of Chris Forino, Eoin Toal, and George Johnston in a defensive unit that had adapted to new tactical formations, fluctuating between a 5-3-2 and a 4-2-3-1 system. The summer arrival of Irish prospect Lewis Temple only added to the competition, further diminishing Forrester’s prospects.
As the 2025-26 season unfolded, Forrester’s involvement dwindled. He featured only in the Vertu Trophy (also known as the EFL Trophy) but did not make a single league appearance for Bolton. With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, speculation mounted over his future, and both club and player appeared ready for a parting of ways. Bolton, sitting fifth in the League One table as of January 8, saw little risk in allowing Forrester to move to Leyton Orient, who were 20th and embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation.
Forrester’s transfer was announced with a playful nod to pop culture, as Leyton Orient unveiled their new signing via a cheeky 'Inbetweeners-themed' video on social media. The club’s official statement was equally enthusiastic, welcoming the defender and highlighting the fresh opportunity presented by the move. Forrester himself expressed his eagerness to get started, telling the club website, "I'm very happy to have signed here. The mindset and the goals the club want to accomplish in the coming years makes this move very exciting and I can't wait to get started." He added, "Speaking to the gaffer, he has outlined his expectations of me and I want to help push us forwards. I know the challenges of reaching the play-offs the year before and want to help the lads get back on track as quickly as possible."
The transfer, described as a nominal fee deal, is seen as a win-win for all parties. Bolton offload a player surplus to requirements while potentially freeing up funds for further reinforcements. Leyton Orient, meanwhile, bolster their defensive ranks with an experienced campaigner who brings both League One know-how and the hunger to prove himself afresh. As Orient’s first signing of the window, Forrester’s arrival signals intent from manager Richie Wellens, who is keen to address the club’s precarious position—just one point and one place above the relegation zone after 24 matches.
Bolton’s official statement was gracious, acknowledging Forrester’s professionalism and contribution to the club: "Bolton Wanderers can confirm that central defender Will Forrester has joined Leyton Orient on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee. The Stoke City academy graduate leaves the Toughsheet Community Stadium after a two-and-a-half-year spell. Forrester signed for the Whites from Port Vale in the summer of 2023 and formed part of the first-team squad across three campaigns. This move to East London presents a fresh opportunity for the defender to secure consistent first-team football in Sky Bet League One. All at the club thank Will for his contribution and professionalism. We wish him the best of luck for the future."
Forrester’s switch is not the only piece of business expected at Bolton this January. Manager Steven Schumacher confirmed in his pre-Peterborough United press conference that further departures are likely, with striker Victor Adeboyejo attracting loan interest from both Leyton Orient and Mansfield Town. Full-back Josh Dacres-Cogley is also set to leave, having not featured since the FA Cup second round defeat at Swindon Town in early December 2025. These changes reflect a period of transition for Bolton as they look to maintain their promotion push while reshaping the squad for the challenges ahead.
Looking ahead, Forrester’s immediate focus will be on integrating into his new team and helping Leyton Orient climb the League One table. His experience of reaching the play-offs with Bolton last season could prove invaluable as the O’s seek to steady the ship. The timing of his arrival is crucial, with Leyton Orient set to host league leaders Cardiff City at Brisbane Road on Saturday, January 10. It’s a daunting fixture, but Forrester’s addition could provide the defensive solidity and leadership needed to inspire a turnaround.
As the January transfer window continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how Forrester adapts to his new surroundings and whether his presence can help Leyton Orient achieve their goals. For now, supporters can look forward to seeing a determined and experienced defender don the red and white, eager to make his mark and help guide the club to safer waters in the weeks and months ahead.
