Jeremy Monga’s £10 million transfer from Leicester to Manchester City may have slipped under the radar this summer, but the 17-year-old’s burgeoning career is poised to take center stage.
As the third-youngest player to feature in the Premier League, Monga is now adapting to life at one of the world’s elite clubs, managed by former Leicester City coach Enzo Maresca.
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Monga made an appearance as a substitute during City’s 3-1 victory against a K-League XI, showcasing his skills in challenging conditions at Seoul World Cup Stadium, where Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Divin Mubama found the net within the first 23 minutes.
During his 30 minutes on the field, Monga demonstrated his youthful energy, nearly scoring on his debut with a close-range shot that was ruled out for handball, along with another curling attempt that was saved by the goalkeeper.
Initially, it seemed that Monga would be joining league champions Arsenal, as the team was close to finalizing a deal, but ultimately, their competitors Manchester City secured his signature.
“The interest from Arsenal was significant, and it was very close to happening,” Monga told BBC Sport.
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“Ultimately, the decision came down to the pathway and the stature of the club. Given City’s success, it was an obvious choice when they came calling. It’s the dream for any young player to win trophies and compete at the highest level.
“When the chance arises, I just need to make the most of it, and everything else will fall into place. I envision myself at City, I picture myself in blue.”
Championship: A ‘Cutthroat Environment’
Monga made his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 271 days in Leicester’s match against Newcastle United on April 7, competing during a challenging season that saw Leicester relegated to the Championship.
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Last season marked a further decline for the former Premier League champions, who found themselves relegated to League One.
During his time at King Power Stadium, Monga appeared in 30 games and reflected positively on his experience, appreciating how the club served as a foundation for his early career.
He described the Championship as a “challenging league” where defenders afforded him “less time and respect” compared to those in the Premier League.
“The Championship is a cutthroat environment,” stated Monga, a current England Under-19 international. “Defenders are much more physical, and they don’t pay much attention to my age.
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“I prefer to focus on the opportunities Leicester provided me, and I’m grateful for the foundation they helped me build.”
Aiming to Emulate His Idol, Hazard
A longtime Chelsea supporter, Monga considers former Belgium international Eden Hazard his idol and aims to replicate his success on the pitch.
When Monga was born in July 2009, Hazard was just beginning his career at Lille before rising to prominence at Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Hazard’s accolades include winning the Premier League and La Liga twice, the Champions League in 2022, and earning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards in 2014-15.
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When asked what he admires most about Hazard, Monga said, “It’s definitely his directness and his ability to take control of games, plus the way he manipulates the ball—those are qualities I strive to incorporate into my game.
“I admire how he protects the ball from opponents and his movement off the ball—all aspects I want to emulate.”
Regarding standout moments of Hazard’s career, Monga added, “His solo goal against Tottenham and his goal against Liverpool are unforgettable. They leave a lasting impression.”
If Monga can achieve even a fraction of Hazard’s illustrious career, he will undoubtedly carve out a remarkable future for himself.