Striker Mason Burstow has joined League One side Bolton Wanderers on loan for the season in what is something of a surprise move by Hull City.
Last season’s lowest Championship scorers have sanctioned the release of the ex-Chelsea forward just under two weeks before the start of the season, leaving head coach Sergej Jakirovic with just Kyle Joseph as the club’s senior forward along with youngster Tyrell Sellars-Fleming.
The Tigers remain in talks with former Sheffield United striker Oliver McBurnie while Matija Frigan remains on the radar, but Burstow’s departure leaves them worryingly light up front.
Burstow scored the winning goal at Stockport County on Saturday as he headed in Ryan Giles’ cross 15 minutes from time to make it four straight wins in pre-season, but that proved to be his last outing in a Tigers shirt.
The forward joined City in a £2m deal from Chelsea last summer, scoring twice in his 31 Championship appearances. Those two strikes came against Middlesbrough and in the win over Swansea City before Christmas in Ruben Selles’ first home game in charge. He only started eight games and was largely used off the left wing, rather than in his more natural central striker position.
City came close to allowing the 21-year-old to leave in January after agreeing a deal with relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle, only for Selles to veto the deal at the last minute.
The Tigers expect to complete the signings of Akin Famewo, John Lundstram and Enis Destan this week, while they’re also in discussions over a move for free agent David Akintola.
Destan, the Trabzonspor forward, is set to arrive and boost Jakirovic’s attacking ranks, but supporters will still be understandably concerned about the club’s attacking options after the troubles of last season.
In moving to the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Burstow will link up with his former Tigers teammate Xavier Simons, who left the Tigers to join the Trotters earlier this summer.
Here at Hull Live, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.