Manchester City have won the race to sign one of England's brightest teenage talents, securing a deal for 17-year-old winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City.
The move, worth an initial £10m rising to £12.5m with add-ons, sees City beat off strong competition from Arsenal, who had long been credited with an interest in the prodigy.
A Record-Breaking Prodigy
Despite his tender age, Monga has already amassed 37 senior appearances for Leicester, including seven in the Premier League. He etched his name into the history books in April 2025 when, aged just 15 years and 271 days, he became the second-youngest player ever to feature in the competition after coming on against Newcastle United. The following season, at 16 years and 34 days, he became the youngest player to start a game for the Foxes, and three days later he scored against Preston North End, making him the Championship's youngest goalscorer — a record previously held by Jude Bellingham.
Born in Coventry and a product of Leicester’s academy since the age of eight, the winger can operate on either flank and has represented England up to Under-19 level. City head coach Enzo Maresca knows him well, having worked with Monga during his title-winning Championship campaign with Leicester in 2023-24.
Monga: 'Dream Come True'
“When I became aware that Manchester City were interested, I knew instantly this was the right choice for me,” Monga told the club’s official website. “For any young footballer, to become part of this amazing club is a dream come true.
“This has been the best club in England over the past 10 years. And it has also handed opportunities to players from the academy like Phil Foden and Nico O'Reilly which shows that the pathway is there. It is a privilege to be here and I’m delighted to have joined.”
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City have signed Jeremy Monga, 17, from Leicester City for up to £12.5m.
- Arsenal were heavily interested but City won the race, with Maresca's prior knowledge a factor.
- Monga is a record-breaking teenager, including the Championship's youngest goalscorer.
- The winger highlights City's academy pathway as key to his decision.
- He signs a five-year contract until 2031, adding to City's exciting young core.
Quick Facts
Name: Jeremy Monga
Age: 17 (turned 17 on 10 July 2026)
Position: Winger (can play both flanks)
Previous Club: Leicester City
Nationality: English (represented England U19)
Contract: Five years, until 2031
Transfer Fee: £10m initial, rising to £12.5m with add-ons
Source: The Guardian & Sky Sports