Jeremy Monga debuts for Manchester City in 3-1 friendly win

Jeremy Monga made his first appearance for Manchester City after a £10 million transfer from Leicester City, coming on as a substitute in a 3‑1 friendly win over a K‑League XI at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday. The 17‑year‑old, who signed with City in late July, joined the squad that is managed by former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca. The match was played in sweltering heat, and City’s young players were given a chance to show their quality against a mixed opposition.

Monga’s move to City followed a close‑call with Arsenal, who were also keen to sign the Leicester teenager. He said the decision was based on the club’s success and the opportunities it offers. “It was very close to me going there, but City is a top club and I want to win trophies,” he told BBC Sport. He praised Leicester for giving him a foundation, noting that the Championship was a “tough league” that helped him grow. The 15‑year‑old made his Premier League debut in 2022 against Newcastle, becoming the third‑youngest player to appear in the competition.

During his half‑hour on the pitch, Monga showed his speed and flair. He almost scored a goal when a close‑range effort was ruled out for handball, and another shot was saved by the goalkeeper. The teenager also contributed to the team’s build‑up play, fitting into City’s attacking system. He said he idolises former Chelsea star Eden Hazard and aims to emulate him. “I want to be a forward who can score and create, just like Hazard did,” he added. The match also featured City’s other young talents, including Rayan Ait‑Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Divin Mubama, who all scored within the first 23 minutes.

Monga’s debut is a sign that City are keen to nurture young talent and keep their squad depth strong for the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups. The club will monitor his progress in training and may give him more minutes in pre‑season fixtures. For Monga, the move to City offers a platform to develop alongside world‑class players and to compete for trophies. The teenager’s future will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike, as he could become the next generation of stars for the club.