Hull City have broken their transfer record to sign Ryan Mason from Spurs for an undisclosed fee. Sky Sports suggests the fee could be as much as £13 million.
Sunderland also expressed an interest in Mason, but the midfielder chose to follow former Tottenham boys Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Michael Dawson by joining Hull.
Mason struggled for minutes last season with the emergence of Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele as the side’s most effective central midfield partnership.
But he was excellent during Mauricio Pochettino’s first season at the club, forging a solid relationship with Nabil Bentaleb in the middle of the park. Both players have now left the club.
At times Mason looked like he lacked the quality to become a regular at White Hart Lane, but he always wore his heart on his sleeve and gave 100% whenever called upon.
A local boy and a Tottenham fan, Mason will be fondly remembered by Spurs fans. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news.
Thank you, @RyanMason! pic.twitter.com/3J2XbCUCMn
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 30, 2016
Feel a bit for mason tbh, not good enough but bags of guts, thought he might have got a better move than that
— General Burkinshaw (@TsideSpurs) August 30, 2016
Ryan Mason’s departure was somewhat inevitable. He means well, but he’s a level below where Spurs want to be. Wish him the best at Hull.
— Ben McAleer (@BenMcAleer1) August 30, 2016
Might be in interests of all parties, but I take no pleasure in seeng this, none whatsoever… Good luck @RyanMason pic.twitter.com/VkiAhKy0Gd
— Lawrence (@Lawrinho) August 30, 2016
Plenty of time for anyone who comes through the ranks – Mason is no different. Always gave 100% on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/J49VsAcGz6
— Spurs In The Blood (@SpursInTheBlood) August 30, 2016
Livermore, Huddlestone and now Mason. Hull’s midfield is turning into a go-to for the unwanted at White Hart Lane. #thfc
— Tom Roddy (@TomRoddy_) August 30, 2016
A fond farewell to Ryan Mason. The boy from Enfield who did what most of us can only dream of doing. https://t.co/29dTQND6xL
— The Fighting Cock (@LoveTheShirt) August 30, 2016
#OneOfOurOwn pic.twitter.com/bIF7j6BxMr
— The Spurs Brain (@TheSpursBrain) August 30, 2016
Thanking @RyanMason for his service to spurs a real nice man top top attitude and a great influence to all the kids at club. @SpursOfficial
— Graham Roberts (@GrahamRoberts4) August 30, 2016
I totally get why Mason had to go, but he was part of ‘new Tottenham’. In many ways he helped kickstart Pochettino’s regime. Loved him.
— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) August 30, 2016
Mason represented the start of a new era of player that were passionate and committed. Didn’t have the ability but had the drive
— Tottenham Hotspur (@THFC__Fans) August 30, 2016
Mason the first ever Pochettino player, I’m sure also this image will never be forgotten, best of luck Ryan!#THFC pic.twitter.com/Y3ZjUt2fJE
— Ricky Sacks (@RickSpur) August 30, 2016
Mason joins Hull for between £10m and £13m. A top fee for a top man. Thanks for everything, Ryan. #Oneofourown #COYS pic.twitter.com/f9Ef5ByU5L
— Spurred On (@spurredontv) August 30, 2016
@SpursOfficial @RyanMason he epitomised everything one of our own should, accepted being a squad player and always gave 100% for the team ??
— spurs4life (@LouJayne1882) August 30, 2016
All the very best @RyanMason https://t.co/dq4yTGR0FG
— osvaldo ardiles (@osvaldooardiles) August 30, 2016
All the best to Ryan Mason. Instrumental part in turning the club round, playing for most part out of position. Legacy of drive, commitment
— Alan Fisher (@spursblogger) August 30, 2016
Never a world beater but @RyanMason gave everything for the shirt at a time when few did. Will excel at #HCAFC. #oneofourown
— Nikhil Saglani (@Nikhil_Saglani) August 30, 2016
All the ex Spurs at Hull have been brilliant, welcome Ryan.
A real shame that a true pro who lives and breathes Tottenham has to leave. OK not gonna be first 11 too often but still a tried and trusted squad player, who is Spurs thru and thru. Good luck – will miss his drive and enthusiasm.
When are we going to see replacements for all these good squad players being sold?
Hull City have now officially a feeder team.
Livermore Huddlestone Dawson now Mason all fine footballers with exceptional character. Spurs, Ryan will fit in nicely