Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are preparing to battle it out for Leicester City’s highly-rated 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga, one of the most talked-about young prospects in English football.
The teenager has already made history at senior level despite only turning 16 in July. Monga began his football journey with Coventry City before joining Leicester’s academy at under-9 level. He became the youngest ever Premier League 2 scorer in November 2024 against Aston Villa and quickly stepped up to first-team training.
Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy initially urged patience, pointing to school commitments, but Monga was fast-tracked regardless. He featured in an FA Cup squad against Manchester United at just 15 years and 212 days, before making his Premier League debut on 7 April 2025 in a defeat to Newcastle. That appearance, at 15 years and 271 days, made him the second-youngest player in Premier League history, behind only Ethan Nwaneri.
After Leicester’s relegation, Monga stayed loyal by signing a new scholarship in June 2025, with professional terms expected when he turns 17 next summer. On 13 August 2025, he became the youngest player to start for Leicester, featuring against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup. Three days later, he scored in a 2–1 defeat to Preston North End, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Championship history at 16 years and 37 days.
Why Spurs and City want him
This record-breaking trajectory has placed Monga firmly in the sights of the Premier League’s elite. Manchester City nearly landed him last summer but were rebuffed when he opted for a scholarship at Leicester. They remain keen, seeing him as another potential jewel for the City Football Academy pipeline that has produced Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Liam Delap.
Tottenham have now entered the frame too. Despite prioritising more established players in recent windows, Spurs have maintained an eye for “uncut gems” with high ceiling potential, as shown with their signings of Mathys Tel and Kota Takai. Monga’s rapid rise in the Championship makes him an ideal fit for their evolving recruitment model.
The contract dilemma
Leicester are desperate to hold onto their academy graduate but face a difficult situation. Until Monga turns 17 in June 2026, he cannot sign a professional contract. That leaves the Foxes vulnerable to losing him for minimal compensation if he chooses to move before then.
Leicester’s strategy is clear: keep offering him senior minutes and a clear pathway to development, while fending off interest until a pro deal can be signed. But with both Spurs and City weighing up January moves, the club face a race against time to convince him to stay.
What’s next?
With Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle also monitoring, competition is fierce. But the current frontrunners are Manchester City and Tottenham, each with the resources and infrastructure to tempt Monga away from Leicester before his 17th birthday.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2025/26 Championship (Leicester City – Jeremy Monga):
• Appearances: 11
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 1
• Minutes played: 198
• Shots per 90: 1.0 (100% on target rate)
• Dribbles per 90: 3.1
• Goals per 90: 0.26
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