According to a report from Fichajes, FC Barcelona have started taking a close look at 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga. The Leicester City youngster recently made headlines by scoring his first professional goal in the EFL Championship, and since then, his name has been a part of discussions between both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
It is being said that there have been discussions about him at Valdebebas and Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper for months, but his senior team debut and immediately impressive performance have changed the entire scenario.
About the report:
Reports also suggest that both Barcelona and Real Madrid sent their scouts to his youth-level matches. However, now that the English youngster has shown his potential in the first team, it has become imperative for both clubs to speed up the process. Reports also reveal that the plan is clear, and that is to convince those around the player as quickly as possible and to ensure that he is brought to Spain by the age of 18.
FIFA rules make registration impossible before then, so clubs often secure a future with a pre-agreement. In these cases, the player develops with his home club and the deal is sealed at 18. He is then either promoted to the B-team or sent out on loan to get used to the rhythm of Spanish football.
Would Jeremy Monga be the right choice for Barcelona?
The question now arises whether Jeremy Monga would be the right signing for Hansi Flick’s side. Monga is an extremely fast, agile and creative winger whose greatest strengths are his confidence with the ball and his ability to outwit defenders. He is still a teenager, but his confidence and the way he impacts matches suggest he could shine on the big stage in the future.
Barcelona’s philosophy have always been about having wingers who stretch the defence and create chances. For an offensive-minded coach like Flick, the 16-year-old could prove invaluable in the long term. However, it is just the beginning of his career, and Barcelona will have to be patient. In our opinion, it would be wise for the club to secure him at such a young age, as his talent is meant to blossom on the biggest stage.
