It seems like Tottenham Hotspur are starting to gain a reputation for being a brilliant destination for young players to develop.
Under Ange Postecoglou in particular, Spurs have signed several talented young players such as Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Antonin Kinsky and now Mathys Tel as well.
With Tottenham yet to become an elite side, youngsters who sign for them have a chance to play regular football much faster than at other clubs — as exemplified by how much Bergvall and Gray in particular have played this season.
On Tuesday, Tottenham signed Mason Melia from St Patrick’s Athletic to join one of the many youngsters at their disposal too. Melia is considered a hugely talented striker and it seems like Tottenham have wasted no time in ensuring that he develops in N17.
Man City, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Everton and Celtic were keen on Tottenham signing Mason Melia
Perhaps one of the reasons why the Lilywhites signed Melia, 17 at such a young age is to oversee his development and put him in the ringer against some of their prodigious youngsters.
Ultimately, it is a low-risk signing from Tottenham that could potentially turn out to be a masterstroke one day.
Interestingly, journalist David Sneyd revealed that Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic and Everton were “interested” in signing the teenager.
It has been claimed that City “tried” to sign Melia last year as well — who scored 10 goals in 54 outings for St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Tottenham new-boy Mason Melia is a record-breaker for two reasons
As Melia has now joined Tottenham, their supporters will be interested to know all there is to discover about the teenage talent.
Signing for Spurs, the youngster has become the first League of Ireland player to command a million-pound fee — with the North Londoners paying €2 million (£1.6 million) for his signature in a deal that could rise up to €4 million (£3.3 million).
Secondly, Melia also became the youngest-ever player to score in the League of Ireland at 15 years of age.
It seems like Tottenham are signing a forward who could be destined for big things.