The Once Premier League Prospect Who's Suddenly Lighting Up League One

The Once Premier League Prospect Who's Suddenly Lighting Up League One

Chelsea’s Cobham - one of, if not the best academy setups in English football, known to have produced a heatwave of talent in the last decade. However, whilst you have your Mounts, Abrahams, James’ and Loftus-Cheeks, a lot of the unsung heroes flurry down the pyramid.

The Blues love to loan their youth out. Even the biggest names mentioned above each exercised unique loan spells. One player who followed a similar journey but hasn't yet hit the same heights is Mason Burstow.

The striker wasn't necessarily Chelsea born and bred; however, he was still schooled by the club’s prestigious academy in his late teens.

Now, after several loans and even a permanent move away, Burstow is flourishing at the heart of League One, having become the league’s top scorer so far this season. At 22 years of age, it’s now his time to shine.

A Wondrous Wanderer

Mason Burstow is currently lighting up the third tier. After what has been a slow start at his parent club Hull City, the forward was sent on loan to Greater Manchester side Bolton Wanderers for the campaign.

Hull fans, do you want to see Mason Burstow recalled? 🤔

Top scorer in League One with seven goals and thriving 💪pic.twitter.com/GEhrBmb8Se

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) October 12, 2025

14 games into the season, Burstow has netted 14 goals for the Whites, grabbing one assist in the meantime. Whilst the league as a whole arguably hasn't been to the usual calibre, there is no taking away from the 22-year-old's performances.

After just 14 games with the Wanderers, he is only two goals away from beating his entire career tally so far.

However, since netting a brace against league strugglers Peterborough three weeks ago, Burstow has entered a three-game goal drought. With some tricky fixtures against Stevenage, Bradford and Luton approaching, the forward needs to have an impact to avoid any further misfortune.

The Hurdled Journey

Mason Burstow’s journey to eventually find stardom was in no way easy. After growing up through the Charlton Athletic academy and breaking into the first team, the striker impressed for the club. Especially in the EFL Trophy, where he scored three goals and collected two assists in five games.

Chelsea picked him up straight after that, where the youngster was placed immediately into the youth system with the odd first team appearance. After one full season in blue, Burstow was sent out on the Chelsea trademark Championship loan to North East giants Sunderland.

This was an exciting proposition for both him and the Sunderland fans, especially with the Black Cats’ thriving young team, with the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.

Official, confirmed: Sunderland sign Jobe Bellingham on permanent deal from Birmingham City ⚪️🔴 #SAFC

Born in 2005, Jude’s brother will cost £3m fee. Documents signed, here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/2iYsOZD3vo

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2023

However, the move simply didn't work out, as Burstow only found the back of the net once as a Mackem. Although, he wasn't given up on just yet; fellow Championship opposition Hull City took a gamble on the talent, acquiring him on a permanent deal in 2024.

In spite of his support, history repeated itself once again. He played a total of 32 games for the Tigers last term, but only scored two goals in total.

From then, it was time for Mason Burstow to step down a tier, to both get minutes and goals. That takes us to the present, where the 22-year-old is getting both in abundance.

The Future is Bright

A humble step down to League One was certainly a must for Mason Burstow. His exceptional performances this season can only reignite his confidence for the future to come.

Furthermore, if he keeps his goalscoring boots on for the rest of the season, a League One Golden Boot would merit him with a bargaining chip for career development. Of course, he is still a Hull City player, but there is no doubt other clubs will throw themselves at him should he keep the form up.

7 - Bolton Wanderers’ Mason Burstow has netted seven League One goals this season, the most of any player in the competition - that tally has come from 4.28 xG, with his +2.72 xG overperformance the third-highest in the division after Jack Marriot and Bobby Pointon (both 2.82).… pic.twitter.com/nbxC3XT8Oj

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 6, 2025

Additionally, Bolton are in and around the playoff positions. Whilst the club seem to have been trapped down there for almost half a decade now, a promotion with the Whites as their star-man would be an emphatic achievement for the 22-year-old.