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5th February 2025
08:03am GMT
St Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed Mason Melia will join Tottenham Hotspur in January 2026 for an initial €1.8m, a record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player.
The deal could eventually rise to €4.2m with a 20% sell-on clause included in the transfer. He has signed a contract with the club that runs until 2031.
Due to Brexit rules, Melia cannot join Spurs until after he turns 18 in September, meaning he will officially join the London club in January 2026.
The forward will remain with St Pats for now and will spend the 2025 season with Stephen Kenny's team.
Melia, from Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, made his senior debut for St Pats in May 2023 at just 15 years old, becoming the club’s youngest league debutant.
Later that month, he became the League of Ireland’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he scored in a 7-0 victory over UCD at 15 years, nine months, and eight days old.
Melia has since become a key player for St Pats and was named PFAI Young Player of the Year for 2024. He went on trial with Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
St Pats manager Kenny praised Melia’s work ethic and versatility, describing him as "a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude."
Kenny highlighted his ability to play across the front three, his pressing ability, and his improvement in hold-up play.
"We are looking forward to Mason continuing as a key player for the 2025 season and wish him every success at Tottenham from January 2026," the former Republic of Ireland manager said.
Melia's move sets a new record for a League of Ireland transfer. The previous record was set when Man City signed Gavin Bazunu from Shamrock Rovers for €1.5m in 2019.
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