Teenager Mason Melia has secured a record-breaking transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, with St Patrick’s Athletic confirming it as the highest-ever fee for a League of Ireland player.
The 17-year-old, who debuted in May 2023 and became the league’s youngest-ever goal scorer at 15, will join Spurs in January 2026 on a five-year deal. The transfer is reportedly valued at an initial £1.6 million.
Hailing from County Wicklow, Melia has made 54 appearances for St Pat’s, scoring 10 goals. He earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad in October 2024 and, in 2023, became the youngest player to feature in an FAI Cup final, helping his team defeat Bohemians to lift the trophy.
St Pat’s manager Stephen Kenny praised Melia’s goal-scoring ability and work ethic, predicting a successful international career. He highlighted the teenager’s impressive performances in European competition and for Ireland, expressing confidence in his future.
