Manchester City secured a deal to sign 16-year-old Jeremy Monga from Leicester City after hijacking Arsenal’s advanced pursuit. The teenage forward agreed to terms structured around a £10m upfront fee and an additional £2.5m in add-ons, driven largely by the influence of manager Enzo Maresca.
The Hijacked Transfer and Financial Structure
Manchester City moved decisively to capture one of England’s most sought-after academy prospects, agreeing to a £12.5 million deal with Leicester City for Jeremy Monga. The agreement includes £10m paid up front alongside another £2.5m in performance-related add-ons and contingencies.
The acquisition marked a significant late twist in the transfer market. Arsenal had closed in on a deal for the teenager, with Mikel Arteta’s side exploring a move before stepping away over valuation concerns. Football Insider reported that the Gunners grew confident an agreement was near, but hesitation allowed Manchester City to hijack the arrangement.
Monga formally completes his move upon turning 17 on July 10, when his scholarship terms convert into a professional contract. Leicester’s foresight in securing those scholarship conditions last year ensured the club received a substantial transfer fee rather than minimal compensation.
Reuniting With Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium
Manager Enzo Maresca played a pivotal role in convincing the young winger to choose the Etihad Stadium. The Italian tactician previously worked with Monga during his time in charge at the King Power Stadium during the 2023/24 season, establishing a strong working relationship that heavily influenced the player’s choice.
“The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself. They’ve been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call. It’s every child’s dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best.”
BBC Sport
Reflecting on almost joining Arsenal, Monga noted that the interest from north London was intense and close to fruition. Yet the prospect of working within City’s development framework under Maresca tipped the balance. I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue,
he explained.
A Record-Setting Breakout at Leicester City
Monga arrives in Manchester carrying notable senior experience despite his youth. He made his top-flight debut at just 15 years and 271 days old during a match against Newcastle United. He later became the youngest goalscorer in Championship history when netting against Preston, breaking a milestone previously held by Jude Bellingham.
Last season brought immense turbulence for Leicester. Following relegation from the Premier League, the club endured a difficult campaign in the Championship that eventually culminated in relegation to League One. Monga featured in 27 league matches, contributing one goal and two assists, while taking 30 total appearances across a demanding schedule.
Despite the physical toll and defensive hostility in the second tier—where markers afforded him far less time and respect than in the Premier League—Monga expressed gratitude for the foundation provided at King Power Stadium, refusing to dwell on the negatives of the club’s struggles.
Molding a Game After Eden Hazard
On the pitch, the Coventry-born winger models his approach on former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard. Born in July 2009 while Hazard was still rising through the ranks at French club Lille, Monga studies the Belgian’s movement, balance, and ball retention meticulously.
Definitely his directness, him taking the game by the scruff of his neck trying to win the game by himself and definitely the way he manipulates the ball, trying to implement that into my game,
Monga said of his idol. He pointed to historic solo goals against Tottenham and Liverpool as standout moments that defined Hazard’s brilliance.
As he settles into his new surroundings, having already featured in a pre-season friendly against a K-League XI in Seoul, Monga enters an elite development environment designed to sharpen his final ball and tactical discipline, positioning himself for the next phase of a fast-accelerating career.
