Leicester City have a habit of fast-tracking talent from their academy into the first-team.
A long list of stars over the years has come through the academy at Leicester, namely Harvey Barnes, who was sold to Newcastle in 2023 and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who joined Chelsea for £30m.
Other names to have flourished at the King Power Stadium before moving on to pastures new include James Maddison and Ben Chilwell, with both players establishing themselves as Premier League stars.
However, there is now a new crop of names looking to follow in the footsteps of those that came before and Ruud van Nistelrooy has already shown he has one eye on the future.
For instance, van Nistelrooy named Henry Cartwright on the bench against Newcastle, the 20-year-old midfielder from the under-21s while centre-back Harvey Godsmark-Ford has been spotted in training.
Arguably, though, the most promising talent emerging from the youth set-up at Leicester is winger Jeremy Monga, and he’s wanted by some big clubs.
- READ MORE: Ruud van Nistelrooy has a genuine ‘wonderkid’ at Leicester that’ll soon be a household name
Jeremy Monga could stay at Leicester City after Trey Nyoni departed in 2023
Leicester fans are becoming familiarised with Monga, a 15-year-old winger from the academy who continues to shock the staff at Seagrave.
The 2009-born talent has stepped into the under-21s this term and looked lightyears above players who are six years his senior.
Monga has been scouted by some big clubs who are aware of his rapid progression but instead of watching him leave, van Nistelrooy is desperate to retain his services.
“Jeremy is a great talent that for me is a vital part of the future of this club,” van Nistelrooy said via Leicestershire Live. “We’re looking to start conversations to keep him at the club. It’s important for me that that can work out. We’re planning that.
“We’re looking at his development, where he is now. He’s 15, he’s still in school, only on Thursdays is he available for training with us. So in that perspective, we have to see what’s best for him, and the pathway to the first team and senior football.”
This verdict will offer fans clarity on the managers’ stance as Leicester previously lost one star of the future when Liverpool snapped up Trey Nyoni in 2023.
Nyoni has struggled for game time since heading to Liverpool however, still only 17, the midfielder could feature in the FA Cup for the Reds against Accrington Stanley this weekend.
Likewise, Monga will be hoping to create a piece of history himself by appearing for the Foxes at home to QPR.
Monga can make Leicester City history this weekend
Monga, who cannot enter into a professional contract until his 17th birthday, could make his first senior appearance for the Foxes this weekend.
Leicester host QPR in the FA Cup as they look to progress into the fourth round, and van Nistelrooy could give some youth a chance.
Many of their teenage talents will be hungry to feature in the starting lineup or from the bench, including Monga, who would become the club’s youngest-ever outfield player if he features in the FA Cup.
So, the fleet-footed Englishman has a unique chance to make history, perhaps kickstarting his senior career in style.