Jeremy Monga is quickly becoming one of the best young prospects in European football.
Promoted to the Foxes’ under-18s recently, the young striker, just 15 years old, has been, without a doubt, the best thing about the club’s otherwise miserable season.
Fans are eager to see the talented teenager given a chance in the Leicester City first team with many believing Ruud van Nistelrooy, starring at relegation, has nothing to lose by including him.
The Leicester City manager clearly has other ideas, though…
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Ruud van Nistelrooy gives frustrating Jeremy Monga update
The nature of the Premier League means that despite their relegation woes, the fixtures aren’t getting any easier. Leicester City are preparing to face defending champions Manchester City on Wednesday night.
And despite calls to give Monga a chance amid the side’s lack of goals, Van Nistelrooy is adamant he won’t throw the youngster in at the deep end.
“He’s developing really well and you can see how good he is,” van Nistelrooy told the Leicester Mercury.
“I also mentioned the situation still as a 15-year-old, with school, and with the possibility to have him around the team, it’s limited. There are more things to it.
“We’re absolutely convinced he can have an impact on this club in the short term.
“I don’t mean now, because that’s going to be difficult. But when he turns 16, then things are easier and for next season he will be a member (of the squad) there. That’s the process we’re in with him now.”
Leicester City under-18’s next Premier League 2 game is against Arsenal under-18’s on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Monga will be expected to feature again.
Can’t be held back forever
Monga’s breakthrough season has already seen him draw links with some of the country’s biggest clubs. For example, Manchester United and Manchester City have been linked with Monga.
Pep Guardiola’s City have agreed terms with Monga suggesting a future transfer to the Etihad Stadium could be on the cards for the school boy.
While Monga can’t sign a professional contract until he turns 17, his trajectory is unrivalled, leaving the Foxes facing some big decisions.
Failure to give the teenager the game time he deserves before he potentially moves could result in the club’s already-under-pressure hierarchy receiving unprecedented levels of criticism.