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One of English football’s most promising young talents has turned down the chance to sign for Chelsea and Manchester City.
Jeremy Monga made headlines in March when he became the second-youngest player in Premier League history, aged just 15 years and 271 days.
Only Arsenal superstar Ethan Nwaneri (15 years and 181 days) was younger when he made his top-flight debut.
The Leicester youngster went onto make seven Premier League appearances before the end of the season but was powerless to prevent the Foxes’ relegation.
Unsurprisingly, transfer interest in Monga has been huge with Chelsea and Man City among the Premier League clubs keen on signing him.
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Several European giants including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich were also keen on the winger who has already captained England’s U16 side.
But it was announced on Monday that the teenager had snubbed all of them and would be staying at Leicester alongside eight other academy stars who had agreed new deals.
‘Jeremy Monga has committed to commencing his professional career as a Leicester City player, with an agreement now in place to secure the talented teenager’s future at King Power Stadium,’ the club said.
‘Jeremy will begin his Academy scholarship this summer with his first professional contract scheduled to commence in summer 2026.’
Had Monga, who joined Leicester’s Academy aged nine, left for another English club, the Foxes would only have received a small compensation fee.
Jeremy Monga 'mentally and physically' ready for the Premier League
Speaking after his historic debut against Newcastle, Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was full of praise for Monga, saying:
‘At such a young age and being the second youngest ever in the Premier League, it says something about how early he has developed.
‘He has the physical capability also and the mental capability to handle this. But we have his pathway ready for him and we’re going to guide him through that.
‘But you could see the way he trained this week, after he made his debut, it’s already lifted him and showed an even higher level, so it’s going quickly really with him.
‘You have to look after these players, mentally and physically. You can’t go too quick too soon. But within reason, we have to make the most of it and use him as much as we can.’
While a blow for the likes of Chelsea and Man City, they will no doubt be keeping tabs on the wonderkid as he continues to develop in the Championship next season.
There was some good transfer news for the Blues on Monday however, as they confirmed the signing of Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, the Ligue 1 club also owned by Todd Boehly.
The 19-year-old defender joins in a deal worth £12million and has signed a contract until 2033.
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