Celtic appear to have been beaten to the signature of Mason Melia by Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou’s side will sign the player next January in a deal worth over £1.6m.
According to The Sun’s Tom Barclay, Spurs have agreed a deal to sign the talented striker despite the Irishman visiting Celtic’s facilities at the beginning of January.
Understand Tottenham are set to sign Irish wonderkid Mason Melia, 17, in a £1.6m deal plus add-ons from St Pat’s. Cos of Brexit rules, can’t sign until Jan 2026 (1st window after his 18th birthday). Believe it makes him 1st million-pound player to be signed from Ireland #thfc
— Tom Barclay (@TomBarclay_) February 4, 2025
The striker netted 10 goals and assisted 3 in 54 senior appearances for his club, prompting interest from Celtic and Premier League clubs. However, due to Brexit rules, the successful team cannot sign Meila until he turns 18 in September, meaning he can continue plying his trade and developing with St Pat’s.
Melia earned the PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year award and the Pat’s Young Player of the Year award after an impressive campaign.
Melia has been capped up to Under-19 level for Ireland and was called up to the Under-21s, where he’ll likely continue as he continues to make his way in the game. Celtic had shown interest in the player but you can imagine the lure of English football and the associated riches was tough to turn down.