City have completed the signing of highly rated striker Mason Melia on a season-long loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, subject to EFL approval.
The 18-year-old arrives at the ProAmpac Stadium after becoming one of the most sought-after young forwards in British and Irish football, with Spurs securing his signature earlier this year following an outstanding breakthrough with St Patrick’s Athletic.
Melia joins the Imps for the 2026/27 Sky Bet Championship campaign, adding further quality and competition to Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw’s attacking options.
The Republic of Ireland international is regarded as one of the brightest young attacking talents to emerge from Ireland in recent years. Strong, athletic, intelligent and clinical in front of goal, he has already shown his ability to perform in senior football.
He made his senior debut for St Patrick’s Athletic at just 15 years old before becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history. His performances in the League of Ireland attracted interest from across Europe before Tottenham Hotspur completed his transfer - paying a record for a League of Ireland player.
After beginning the next stage of his development in north London, Melia will continue his progression with the Imps in the Championship.
He 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.”
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.
“He shows maturity beyond his years, physically and mentally, displaying all the traits we value out of possession, as well as moments of magic in the final third and a real instinct to score goals. This loan was delayed due to Mason being selected for Tottenham’s tour of Australia and he played 25 minutes against Sydney last week, so he is raring to go. I would also like to thank his agents and the staff at Tottenham for trusting us with the next stage of Mason’s development.”