Tottenham Hotspur have launched a bid to sign 17-year-old St Patrick’s Athletic striker, Mason Melia, whose impressive performances in the League of Ireland have caught the eye of a number of Premier League teams.
Getting to know Mason Melia
Mason Melia is one of the Republic of Ireland’s most promising prospects. He was only 15 when he made his first appearance for St Patrick’s Athletic, coming off the bench to score a screamer, which made him the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer (Irish Independent).
Melia showed his quality in his first season playing senior football, with two goals and one assist in 10 league appearances, and he only started one of those matches.
He has taken advantage of his increased game time this season, scoring six goals in 14 starts, while he made a further 17 appearances off the bench for St Pats, who are four points off league leaders, Shelbourne (Transfer Markt).
It is not just at club level where Melia has learned to thrive. Two years ago, he helped the Republic of Ireland win the under-16 Victory Shield, while last year he pitched in with two goals and two assists as his country reached the quarter-final of the under-17s Euros.
Tottenham make a bid for Mason Melia
Irish journalist, Conor McEvoy, reveals that Spurs have made a bid for Melia, with his asking price sitting at one million euros. The bid has not yet been accepted, despite some reports stating otherwise.
Although Melia cannot leave St Pats until he turns 18 next September, up to six Premier League clubs are reportedly looking to sign him, including North London rivals, Arsenal (Irish Mirror).
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It is no surprise the youngster is in demand, as he has received praise from his supporters and teammates alike. St Pats striker, Aida Keena, heaped praise on Melia last month.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, he said: “When I was 16 I was in the St Pats U-19s, so it’s brilliant to see him [Melia] in the first team at 16. He knows how good he is and how good he can be, he has a good head on his shoulders.
“He’s playing men’s football, and it’s not just his goals, his overall game is getting better and better. I am there to give him any advice he needs but he doesn’t need much, it will be me asking him for advice now.”
Another young signing for Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is no stranger to signing young players, with Dominic Solanke being the only player he signed in the summer older than 20 (Transfer Markt).
But in the centre forward position, there is less excitement surrounding the younger players than in other positions. Alejo Veliz has failed to make an impact since joining Spurs, spending most of his time on loan at other clubs. And while Dane Scarlett and Will Lankshear have both shown some promise, there is no harm in signing another young striker.
Many forwards in the past, such as Melia’s fellow countryman, Troy Parrott, have failed to break through at Tottenham, but there is always the chance the club end up developing someone like Harry Kane. And at around a million euros, signing Melia is very low risk and would be an exciting move if Spurs can get the deal done.