Don't worry, Blue Army. Unsubstantiated claims that Manchester City can prise away Leicester City's generational talent Jeremy Monga in July 2026 due to the starlet only having a scholarship contract are seemingly totally false. As a matter of fact, the winger's current youth deal automatically turns into a professional agreement upon the expiration of the existing one.
Where did I come by this information, Barcelona, Man City and Foxes fans will ask? Well, from one of the highest possible LCFC sources: The New York Times's 'subscription-based sports journalism department' The Athletic. Rob Tanner, a most trusted Leicester insider, revealed the details in June of this year.
Therefore The Boot Room's arguably sensationalising report that the Citizens and Pep Guardiola can merely steamroller their way in and steal Monga is fanciful misinformation. Alternatively, the appropriate research wasn't conducted. In the worst case, this could be intentional disinformation designed and orchestrated to grow a website and deceive a fan base unfairly. But I doubt that. Irrespective, allow me to explain the likely incorrect story and, with any luck, falsify it!
Leicester City prudently arranged cunning Jeremy Monga contract to automatically turn into pro deal - leaving Manchester City with more work to do than suggested
Before we continue, please allow me to quote a rather annoying and ostensibly untruthful statement below:
"City’s interest has persisted, and they are reportedly preparing a fresh approach. Leicester, however, cannot prevent Monga from leaving, as he is not eligible to sign a professional deal until he turns 17 next June."TBR
In actuality, Leicester can prevent a superclub such as Man City simply taking the young star away for no fee or without paying compensation. You see, the King Power club's negotiations were actually very astute.
Monga, who has attracted influential, global scouts to the Seagrave training complex since he was a talented adolescent, will automatically sign his first professional contract with City. This will occur in about eight months' time.
I can also reference Tanner here, and believe me - he knows his stuff. In addition to that, the particulars will have been vetted at an organisation like NY Times:
"The earliest a professional contract can be offered to a player is when they turn 17, and in Monga’s case, there is a conditional professional deal already agreed and signed to automatically kick in when he turns 17."The Athletic
So, in my opinion, the Leicester faithful can have faith that Monga will probably stay at LCFC next season. The reimbursement will be lucrative if he does depart.