17-year-old Mason Melia is on his way to Spurs

This transfer story doesn’t come right out of the blue but it comes with some complication because of Brexit rules. Ultimately it means that although Ireland U19 Mason Melia has agreed to sign for Tottenham on a deal until 2030 he cannot officially become a Spurs player until he is 18 - or in real terms the first transfer window after his 18th birthday (in September this year) which is January 2026.

Melia who comes from Wicklow is one of a number of bright Irish prospects at St. Pat’s (including Michael Noonan). The transfer, which was brokered by Mason’s uncle Clive Clarke, is believed to be in the region of £1.6 million with a 20% sell-on clause that will benefit the League of Ireland club in the millions if Melia’s value ratchets up when he moves on from Spurs.

This is new territory for a young Irish player moving from the League of Ireland involving such eye watering transfer fees, the one quoted above may well even be below the actual fee agreed. Mason will now return to Pat’s for the 2025 season and move cross channel permanently early next year. ☘️