Bolton Wanderers considered bringing Mason Burstow back this summer but decided the Hull City forward was not the right fit for their Championship plans.
Steven Schumacher confirmed to the Bolton News that discussions took place before last season ended. Burstow had impressed during his loan in Lancashire, scoring 12 goals as Bolton secured promotion, yet the club wanted recruits with proven second-tier pedigree.
The 23-year-old has instead returned to League One with Sheffield Wednesday. He could now make his Owls debut against Bolton in this weekend’s Carabao Cup tie at Hillsborough, adding extra intrigue to the meeting.
Burstow played 45 league matches during his successful spell with the Trotters. However, his Championship record stands at two goals from 31 appearances since Hull signed him from Chelsea in 2024.
Schumacher believes the striker can still build a strong career. Bolton simply chose a different recruitment direction as they prepare to compete at a higher level.
Schumacher told the Bolton News: “We had a conversation, even before the end of last season, because Mason has played at this level in the Championship and has done well.
“His best season has been for us in League One, where his goal contributions and his all-round play were good. He played 45 league games last year for us, so it shows how well he did.
“He got going, he got himself established, if you like, on a consistent run of games, and played some of his best football in League One.
“So we did have a conversation about it, but we just felt that if we want to try and progress, if we want to really compete, then getting some players who we think might have that Championship experience or Championship quality may help us, but we didn’t go any further with it.
“But he has gone to a good football club, and I’m sure Mason will continue to have a really good career, because he can definitely play at this level as well.”
