Monga Explains Manchester City Move, Citing Trust and Hazard Inspiration

Jeremy MongaPlayer·Jeremy Monga completed a significant move to Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City in July 2026, arriving from Leicester CityTeam·Leicester City for a reported fee of £12.5 million shortly after his 17th birthday. The transfer followed a productive 2025/26 season where Monga featured in 30 matches for Leicester CityTeam·Leicester City, attracting widespread attention across the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League.

ArsenalTeam·Arsenal were among the clubs reportedly pursuing Monga during the summer transfer window. However, the young talent ultimately opted for Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City, citing the club's established reputation for nurturing and integrating young players into their senior squad. This commitment to youth development was a decisive factor in his choice, according to reports.

Monga has openly expressed his profound admiration for former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, identifying him as a key inspiration for his own playing style. He credits his father with encouraging him to study Hazard's performances, particularly focusing on the Belgian's exceptional ball manipulation, his ability to shield the ball effectively from defenders, and his direct, attacking approach. Monga noted that Hazard consistently "attacked and attacked," rarely opting for backward passes, a trait he aims to incorporate into his own game.

Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City's recent track record provides a compelling backdrop to Monga's decision. During the 2025/26 season, the club finished second in the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League, accumulating 78 points from 38 games with 23 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses. They boasted a goal difference of +42, scoring 77 goals and conceding 35. Beyond their league performance, City secured both the FA CupCompetition·FA Cup and the EFL CupCompetition·EFL Cup, demonstrating their domestic dominance. Their European campaign saw them exit the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League in the Round of 16.

Statistical analysis from the latter part of the 2025/26 season further highlights City's attacking prowess and control. Across their final ten league matches, Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City averaged 2.2 expected goals for (xGF) and 1.2 expected goals against (xGA). They maintained an average of 2 goals scored per game while conceding just 0.9 goals per game, alongside an average possession of 60.4%. Striker Erling HaalandPlayer·Erling Haaland was a standout performer, finishing as the club's top goalscorer with 27 goals in the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League and 38 goals across all competitions.