Hull City have confirmed that striker Mason Burstow has left the club on a season-long loan to League One side Bolton Wanderers in a surprise move that leaves Sergej Jakirovic with just one senior striker as the Championship opener looms.
Burstow, who joined the Tigers from Chelsea in a £2 million deal last summer, has been allowed to depart less than two weeks before the new season begins. His exit comes despite scoring the winner in Hull’s 1–0 pre-season victory over Stockport County just days ago, his fourth consecutive friendly appearance in a campaign where he appeared to be finding form.
The 21-year-old struggled for regular starts last season, making just eight starts in 31 league appearances, often being deployed out wide. His two goals came against Middlesbrough and Swansea City, but he failed to establish himself under either Ruben Selles.
Now, with Kyle Joseph the only experienced striker currently at the club and young forward Tyrell Sellars-Fleming still finding his feet, Burstow’s departure leaves Hull dangerously light in attack.
Jakirovic Faces Mounting Pressure as Transfer Strategy Questioned
Burstow had been close to leaving in January, with a move to Plymouth Argyle vetoed at the last moment by then-manager Selles. The decision to now sanction his loan exit has raised eyebrows among supporters, particularly given Hull’s status as the lowest scorers in the Championship last season.
Talks remain ongoing with several potential signings, including Akin Famewo, John Lundstram and Enis Destan. However, with only Joseph and Sellars-Fleming currently available, the forward line appears worryingly undercooked. The club is also pursuing free agent David Akintola, while discussions with former Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie continue.
Burstow’s move sees him reunited with former Hull teammate Xavier Simons at Bolton, who are expected to mount a promotion challenge under Ian Evatt. For the striker, it’s a chance to play regular football in a system that should better suit his strengths as a central forward, rather than the wide role he often filled in East Yorkshire.
Writer’s View
Hull City’s decision to send Mason Burstow out on loan, with no immediate replacement confirmed, is baffling at best. While the forward didn’t set the world alight last season, he was still part of a small group of players who offered mobility and pressing in the final third—traits the Tigers desperately lacked.
Given that Burstow was showing signs of progress in pre-season and had just scored a match-winning goal, the timing feels out of step with squad planning. Unless multiple attacking reinforcements arrive this week, the risk is obvious: Hull enter the season threadbare up front, in a division where fine margins matter.
This move might benefit Burstow in the long term, and he could thrive at Bolton, but from a Hull perspective, it adds to the growing narrative of a chaotic and poorly coordinated transfer window. Supporters will rightly expect clarity—and quality—in the weeks ahead.
