Jeremy Monga’s £10m move from Leicester to Manchester City may have gone under the radar this summer, but the teenager’s own career is not expected to go in quite the same manner.
The 17-year-old is the third-youngest player to appear in the Premier League and now settling in at one of the world’s biggest clubs, who have former Foxes boss Enzo Maresca in charge.
Monga came off the bench in City’s 3-1 friendly win over a K-League XI in sweltering conditions at Seoul World Cup Stadium, with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama on the scoresheet inside 23 minutes.
During his half an hour on the pitch, Monga showed his youthful sprightliness and almost made a dream first appearance when a close-range effort was disallowed for handball, while another curling effort was batted away by the goalkeeper.
It looked like Monga would be heading to champions Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta’s side closed in on a deal, but the Gunners were gazumped by their title rivals.
“It [Arsenal interest] was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close,” Monga told Sport.
“The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself. They’ve been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call. It’s every child’s dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best.
“Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself, and once I do that, everything will take care of itself. I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue.”