Sunderland were interested in signing striker Mason Burstow on a permanent deal this summer from Premier League outfit Chelsea before eventually settling on a loan deal, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The 20-year-old began the campaign at Stamford Bridge, making two brief Premier League appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s team before he eventually made a season-long loan move to Wearside on Transfer Deadline Day.
The Black Cats were in the market for a new striker during the summer, with talisman Ross Stewart sidelined through injury before the Scottish international eventually joined Championship rivals Southampton in a £10 million deal. This left a gaping hole in Sunderland’s attack and manager Tony Mowbray made it a priority position before the transfer window slammed shut last month.
Burstow’s arrival coincided with that of Nazariy Rusyn from Zorya Luhansk, giving Mowbray an embarrassment of riches at the top of the field. Although both are still to get on the scoresheet, the load has been shared out and they are currently averaging two goals a game.
A 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night saw the North East club move up to fourth in the table, and also gave the youngster his first goal contribution as he was credited with an assist for Jack Clarke’s stunning strike, as well as winning the penalty for his team’s third goal.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Burstow revealed that several clubs were interesting in acquiring him on a permanent basis over the course of the summer, with Sunderland leading the chase;
“I knew at the start of the window there was interest. It was mainly to buy me but then Chelsea weren’t having it and obviously I was part of Chelsea being on the bench a few times and coming on.
“Eventually Pochettino gave me the go ahead to go out on loan and that’s when Sunderland came straight back in.
“I knew they had interest the whole window, I knew they were watching me which made it a no brainer to come here.”
Continuing, the youngster revealed the reasons why he chose Sunderland over other potential suitors;
“It’s a young team. One of the reasons I came here as well is it’s easier to fit in with people who are a similar age as me.
“Tony obviously likes the younger players as well who will come on and be exciting for the fan base so it’s amazing to be part of it.”
Burstow will be hoping that he can get his goal tally off the mark this week when Sunderland host Watford on Wednesday before a huge North East derby against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Writer’s View
Mason Burstow is rated highly by those at Chelsea and he was one of the major plus points of their summer tour of the United States. Mauricio Pochettino is also a big fan and the decision to send him out on loan was made purely to aid his development.
After being utilised on the fringes of the Blues’ squad, the Premier League giants knew that the striker would get regular game time in the Championship in a league which is considered one of the most competitive in European football. Goals will come for the youngster, and he showcased his obvious talent in the win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night. Expect him to play a big part in Sunderland’s promotion chase this season.
