The Wicklow native’s arrival in senior football with south Dublin side St Pat’s attracted early attention from clubs across Europe.
After helping his side win the FAI Cup in 2023, he featured in Champions League qualifiers last summer as well as being named Young Footballer of the Year in Ireland – the youngest ever recipient of that award at 17.
Sources with knowledge of the negotiations explained to BBC Sport that Everton were in pole position to sign Melia for many months, but the slow pace of the discussions and rival interest saw costs rise.
Interest in the 6’2″ striker grew and those factors allowed St Pat’s to gradually increase his price tag, while Everton, undergoing an ownership change and battling relegation, are said to have switched focus elsewhere.
Competition for his signature saw Chelsea, Manchester City, Celtic, Genk, Bologna and Eintracht Frankfurt all battle with Spurs to seal the deal.
German side Frankfurt even offered Melia a chance to replace Omar Marmoush in January as he left for Manchester City, taking advantage of EU regulations which allow players from the Republic of Ireland to move before their 18th birthday.
However, it was a conversation with Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and a chance to play in the Premier League – like his uncle and agent Clive Clarke – that saw Melia choose North London.
Unfortunately, the one Irish club in Melia’s journey that won’t benefit are his first and local club Newtown Juniors.
“He was with us for six years so I never can understand why smaller clubs are not recognised – the system needs to be looked at,” Nolan explained to BBC Sport
“I am happy for Mason and his family, they deserve the success. I’ve seen the work they’ve put in, his mother has been on the road day and night driving between Wicklow and both Bray and Dublin, they all deserve it.”
Melia now focuses on pre-season ahead of the 2025 season in the League of Ireland before joining Spurs on a five-year deal from 1 January 2026.
