In recent years, Tottenham Hotspur have made a real name for themselves as a club that turns young talents into stars.
The likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall all arrived at N17 as relative unknowns and are now established first-teamers.
In addition, Tottenham are now making the most of their academy, with the likes of Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and Damola Ajayi making an impact.
Although the Mathys Tel to Tottenham transfer dominated deadline day headlines, Spurs secured another signing who looks like he has a bright future ahead.
The signing in question is Mason Melia, who will be swapping Irish club St Pat’s Athletic for Tottenham in 11 months’ time.
St Pat’s boss Stephen Kenny has sung Melia’s praises as he told Spurs fans what they can expect from the young forward.
Tottenham signing Mason Melia deemed a ‘phenomenal’ talent and top goalscorer
Kenny was eager to sing Melia’s praises as he described the 17-year-old as a “terrific talent” with an “exceptional attitude”.
The former Republic of Ireland boss lauded Melia’s work ethic, his progress, his hold-up play and, crucially, how good he is in front of goal.
“Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work,” Kenny said on the official St Pat’s website.
“He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.
“Every day on the training ground he shows a high work ethic and a capacity to take on information quickly and he grasps the tactical requirements depending on the game in question.
“His pressing out of possession is phenomenal and his pace offers a real threat and adds a dimension to our attacking play.
“His hold up play has been his greatest improvement over the last six months as his continues to develop physically.
“First and foremost he is a goalscorer, he scored some brilliant goals last season, and different types of goals and has shown a capacity to play anywhere along the front 3.
“Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country.
“We are looking forward to Mason continuing to be an integral part of the St Patrick’s Athletic team for the 2025 season.”
“And we wish him every success at Tottenham Hotspur from January 2026 onwards, in the next phase of his career in what is a brilliant opportunity for him.”
The other big clubs Tottenham beat to sign Mason Melia as Spurs legend comparison made
Journalist David Sneyd recently revealed that Tottenham had some stiff competition for Melia.
He said Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic and Everton were interested in signing the teenager.
In Melia, Tottenham have got themselves a player who has been compared to Harry Kane.
Football Talent Scout have reported that Melia’s finishing and movement are particularly strong traits, along with heading.
Melia has become the first League of Ireland player to command a million-pound fee by signing for Tottenham.
Tottenham are paying €2million (£1.6million) for his signature in a deal that could rise up to €4 million (£3.3million).