TEARS FLOOD WHITE HART LANE: 17-Year-Old Wonderkid’s HEART-SHATTERING Farewell Speech Leaves Spurs Fans SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY – You Won’t BELIEVE What He Said Before His £150M Tottenham Switch!
Tottenham’s next rising star is set to arrive in January after bidding an emotional farewell to his former club
Mason Melia has penned an emotional farewell to St Patrick’s Athletic ahead of his highly anticipated move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.
The 18-year-old striker, regarded as one of Ireland’s most promising young footballers, will officially link up with the Premier League side after turning 18 in September, due to post-Brexit transfer regulations.
Melia, who was named PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year last season, has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time.
Earlier this year, Spurs agreed a deal with St Patrick’s Athletic worth an initial £1.6 million — a record fee for a League of Ireland player — with potential add-ons that could take the total to £3.2 million.
The move highlights how highly the north London club rate the young forward, who signed a long-term contract until 2031.
Tottenham fended off strong competition from several top Premier League and European clubs to secure Melia’s signature.
Since finalising the agreement, the club has kept him on a specially tailored conditioning plan to ensure he’s physically ready for the demands of English football.
He’ll arrive at Hotspur Way in January aiming to make an impression on head coach Thomas Frank, even though the deal was struck under former manager Ange Postecoglou.
Although he’s had to wait to officially join Spurs due to work permit and age restrictions, Melia’s time in Ireland has been invaluable.
The teenager has already gained considerable senior experience, featuring in 98 competitive matches across domestic and European competitions — an extraordinary achievement for his age.
Over those appearances, he’s been directly involved in 33 goals, netting 25 times and providing eight assists.
The striker ended the League of Ireland season last weekend with St Pat’s finishing fifth following a 0-0 draw against Shelbourne.
Melia played the full 90 minutes, concluding his campaign with 13 goals and four assists in 35 league outings.
He also contributed a goal and an assist during the club’s six Europa League qualifying fixtures and has made an impressive start to his international career, scoring three goals in his first four appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21s.
Taking to Instagram, Melia reflected emotionally on his time with St Patrick’s Athletic: “Never thought the day would come that I would be closing my chapter at @stpatsfc.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me — the staff, teammates, and all the fans. From making my debut to scoring my first league goal, winning the cup, and creating so many memories.
I’ve met some good people and not so good, but everyone played a vital role in my journey. I’m so thankful for that. I’ve made close friends I’ll always have by my side. Once a Saint, always a Saint.”
Following a gruelling 50-game season, Melia will now take a well-deserved break before joining Tottenham in January. He’s expected to hit the ground running when he begins life in north London.
Former Spurs goalkeeper Josh Keeley, who also came through the Irish football system, told football.london this summer that Melia’s potential is immense.
“He’s a young lad who’s already played a lot of senior football,” Keeley said. “Coming to Spurs, getting to know the players and environment — it’s only going to help him progress. He’s going to do very, very well.”
