Ever since his Premier League debut at just 15 years old, Jeremy Monga has been one of the most talked-about youngsters in world football. The teenager, who still can’t wear a sponsor on his Leicester shirt, has featured 25 times in the EFL Championship this season. Whilst it hasn’t been an ideal campaign, he has still managed to tally three goal contributions, with some huge moments along the way. However, Leicester’s likely relegation to League One and his recent lack of minutes may lead to a move away.
Premier League Clubs Set For A Race To Sign Jeremy Monga
Manchester United and Arsenal Interest
As reported by the Telegraph, Arsenal are showing strong interest in Monga. This follows this week’s Daily Mail report in which they confirmed that Manchester United are also targeting the 16-year-old. It’s no surprise that the attacker has this many suitors, especially after the wave of interest last summer. In the end, he put pen to paper on a professional contract with the Foxes, which will begin on his 17th birthday.
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The Gunners are reportedly long-term admirers of the winger and will be eager to beat the competition to his signature. They have had plenty of their own talent coming through lately, with the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis Skelly and Max Dowman emerging. Despite the few standouts, their overall academy system has come under scrutiny lately for a lack of performance. Whilst this isn’t the be-all and end-all at this level, it may be a sign that they need to bring in more talent.
It’s no secret that ever since Brexit, the top clubs in England have looked to strengthen by taking the top players from across the country. With PSR also increasingly important, selling these players in the future can bring ‘pure profit’. Manchester City are a major example, as they signed several players, including Divine Mukasa from West Ham. Leicester themselves are already well acquainted with this reality as Trey Nyoni left for Liverpool, and Tyrese Noubissie moved to Manchester City.
How Does This Affect Leicester?
Whilst Monga has had his own bright moments this season, he perhaps hasn’t reached the heights that many expected. There are many factors for this, including managers, the poor results, and injuries. He hasn’t been able to gain momentum, which is perhaps best shown through five of his seven league starts coming before November. However, despite the circumstances, he’s still excelling in one-versus-one situations.
Once hyped as “England’s Ousmane Dembele” he has had big shoes to fill since he was 15. It can be difficult to live up to such expectations in the second division, but the development pathways of major Premier League teams could help him reach his peak.
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In terms of finances, the deal could give City a healthy boost. It will be pure profit for PSR, which is certainly necessary after the points deduction this season. Whilst it’s not likely to be substantial money, Leicester will need to take anything they can get. The upcoming summer will once again be a period full of change, with many of the highest earners leaving. In addition to this, the younger talents are also likely to make way, as they are valuable assets and will have higher ambitions.
John Percy has already confirmed that Abdul Fatawu is set for a likely exit. The abundance of youth talents coming through may be the only glimmer of hope for supporters, as the club edges closer to League One. “They are hoping to rebuild around their talented youngsters, with Monga seen as the crown jewel,” said The Telegraph. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the Foxes shape up next season, especially if the architects of this recent downfall do move on.
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