Manchester City look set to win the race for a Leicester City starlet, but where would he fit? | OneFootball

It now looks to be only a matter of time before Manchester City complete the signing of Leicester City sensation Jeremy Monga. David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that City and Leicester City are now in direct talks over a deal that will see Monga sign for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Furthermore, Ornstein reports that it is expected that City will pay around £10 million for the 16-year-old winger. Also, Ornstein adds that Arsenal have withdrawn from the race to sign Jeremy Monga.

Typically, when Manchester City sign a player of Jeremy Monga’s age, it would be expected that they’d spend considerable time in Manchester City’s youth system. However, Monga is a different case to many other young players. He has played in the Premier League and last season he consistently played in the Championship. Presuming that City complete the signing of Jeremy Monga, where would he fit into the City set up? That seems to be the question surrounding Jeremy Monga.

Jeremy Monga seems to be too far along in his development to be integrated into Manchester City’s youth system.

Looking at Jeremy Monga’s career path, he has already played at the highest level. Monga made seven appearances in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season. The prodigiously talented young and versatile winger made 30 appearances in the all competitions for Leicester City last season. He added a goal and two assists in those matches. Jeremy Monga has had a taste of first team football. That puts him in an interesting position if he does arrive at City as expected.

Monga isn’t the finished product as a player. No 16-year-old is. However, it doesn’t seem like Manchester City would sign Jeremy Monga and play him predominantly in their Elite Development Squad. That would appear to be a backwards step for Monga. However, it must be said that the level of competition in Manchester City’s youth system is higher than what Leicester City can provide.

It doesn’t appear City would sign Monga and play him predominantly in their youth system. He seems to be too far along in his development for that. That potentially leaves two options for the Leicester City wonderkid.

A loan move or a role on the periphery of the Manchester City squad may be in store for Jeremy Monga.

It is also reported by David Ornstein that Manchester City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, is behind City’s push to sign Jeremy Monga. While Monga didn’t play under Maresca during the Italian manager’s time as Leicester City manager, Maresca is well aware of how prodigiously talented Monga is. Perhaps Maresca has a role in mind for Jeremy Monga.

Perhaps Jeremy Monga could spend next season training with the Manchester City first team and making the odd appearance off the bench or starting in the cup competitions. It must be said that making the jump from playing in the Championship with Leicester City to playing sporadically at Manchester City is a massive one. Perhaps City believes that Monga is capable of making that leap. It would speak volumes of Jeremy Monga’s talent and temperament if he could make that step as a 16-year-old.

The other alternative is that Manchester City send Jeremy Monga out on loan. This is the path that Vitor Reis took last season. Vitor Reis grew during his time at Girona playing consistently in La Liga. That could be the plan that Manchester City has in mind for Jeremy Monga if they complete a deal with Leicester City to sign him.

Final thoughts.

Manchester City appear to be on the verge of signing Jeremy Monga from Leicester City. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders will be signing one of England’s brightest young talents if they do sign Monga. What isn’t clear is what City have planned for the dynamic young winger. No doubt that City have a plan in mind for Monga, it just isn’t immediately clear what that is just yet.