Walsall are set to complete the loan signing of Burnley forward Michael Mellon, with the 21-year-old Scotland U21 international expected to join on a deal for the 2025/26 season.
Mellon will become the latest addition to Mat Sadler’s squad as the Saddlers look to mount a stronger promotion push after missing out last term. The move is expected to be finalised in the coming days, according to reports.
The striker spent the second half of last season at Bradford City, where he made 15 appearances and scored two goals. While his time at Stockport County in the first half of the campaign was less impactful, Mellon remains highly rated and has attracted interest from multiple EFL clubs.
Looking to rebuild
A product of both Manchester United and Burnley’s youth setups, Mellon has yet to make a senior appearance for the Clarets but has earned several caps for Scotland’s U21s.
His most notable form came during an 18-month loan spell at Morecambe, where he scored 15 goals in 35 appearancesacross all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign. Mellon also netted the winning goal in an FA Cup first-round victory over Lincoln City, helping the Shrimps reach the third round.
Since then, his progress has stalled with short spells at Dundee, Stockport, and Bradford, but a return to League Two — this time with Walsall — could provide the regular game time he needs to reignite his career.
A smart fit for Sadler’s side
Walsall opened their League Two campaign with a 2–1 win over Swindon Town, and while Aaron Pressley led the line, manager Mat Sadler is clearly keen to add further firepower.
With Jonny Stuttle making his EFL debut at the weekend and Jamille Matt now 35, Mellon’s arrival offers an ideal balance of youth, physical presence, and proven League Two output. He is expected to compete for a starting role and add key depth to the attacking unit.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League Two (Bradford City):
• Appearances: 15
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 5
• Minutes played: 610
📈 FotMob Per 90 Stats – Among League Two Forwards:
• Goals per 90: 0.30 — 30th percentile
• Shots per 90: 3.7 — 98th percentile
• Touches in final third per 90: 15.2 — 62nd percentile
• Aerial duels won per 90: 3.1 — 68th percentile
• Chances created per 90: 1.6 — 69th percentile
• Defensive actions per 90: 2.7 — 73rd percentile
🟥 ZONE CONFIRMED
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