Lincoln City complete loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur striker
Lincoln City have announced the signing of young striker Mason Melia on a one-year loan deal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
The 18-year-old earned himself a record £1.6 million move to north London after seriously impressing for St Patrick’s Athletic, who play their football in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
He burst onto the scene in Ireland’s top flight, becoming the youngest scorer in the league’s history at 15 before going on to net 21 league goals in 76 games, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the country.
In pre-season, Melia came on as a substitute for Spurs and played 25 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Australian outfit Sydney FC, with the Irishman now set to arrive at the ProAmpac Stadium to provide competition for Rob Street and Freddie Draper in the striker position.
On his loan move to Lincoln, Melia said: “I’m delighted to be here and get everything completed. Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming, and I’m excited to get going in the Championship.
“The ambition of the club really stood out to me. Our first conversation was a bit mad because we were trying to work around all the different time zones while I was in Australia, but once we got everyone together the presentation was unbelievable. It played a huge part in my decision to come here because it showed me the club’s vision and what we can achieve together.
“It made me feel really wanted, which is important as a footballer. I came away from that meeting buzzing. My aim is to score goals, help the team in every way I can and contribute to a successful season for the club. I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”
At just 18-years-old, the Tottenham prospect has also already managed to make two senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team, with his debut coming on May 28 in a 1-0 win against Qatar where he came off the bench in the 90th minute.
Sporting director Jez George added: “Mason is a player that we knew about in the League of Ireland, playing under Stephen Kenny at Pats, and we first enquired to Tottenham about him in January. “It has been well documented in the press that we beat up to 30 other clubs for his signature, and he is an exceptional talent who we feel can make a big impact for us in the Championship.