Newcastle United are once again showing their ambition in the transfer market, with fresh reports suggesting the club has already held early talks over a move for one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
Jeremy Monga, the highly rated Leicester City winger, is now firmly on the radar at St James’ Park, and Newcastle are far from alone in their admiration. The 16-year-old is attracting attention from almost every major force in the game, both in the Premier League and across Europe, which underlines just how special he is believed to be.
Newcastle’s interest comes at a time when the club is trying to strike the right balance between short-term improvement and long-term planning. Monga fits the profile perfectly.
He is young, fearless, and already proven at senior level despite his age. Reports suggest Newcastle have joined Tottenham, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in making contact with the player’s representatives, with the race for his signature expected to heat up significantly over the next year.
Those close to Monga are fully aware of the growing interest. There is a feeling that almost every top Premier League club is monitoring his situation closely, waiting for the right moment to make a move.
Monga is eligible to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in July, but there is also a belief that a final decision on his future could come in early 2026, depending on how the next few months unfold.
A lot may depend on Leicester City’s direction. The club’s hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League look slim at the moment, with the Foxes sitting eighth in the Championship and well off the automatic promotion places.
For a player of Monga’s potential, the uncertainty around Leicester’s future could play a big role in any decision he makes. Newcastle, by contrast, can offer a clearer long-term project and the chance to develop under Eddie Howe in one of the most competitive environments in the game.
Monga’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his senior Leicester debut last season and did so in memorable fashion, coming on as a substitute against Newcastle in a 3-0 defeat back in April.
Despite the result, the moment marked a huge milestone in his young career. At just 16, he became the second-youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League, a list topped only by Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri.
Last season, Monga went on to make seven top-flight appearances for Leicester, gaining valuable experience against elite opposition. This campaign, he has continued his development in the Championship, featuring in 12 matches and scoring his first senior goal in a narrow loss to Preston in August. His performances have only strengthened the belief that he is a special talent in the making.
What sets Monga apart is his blend of pace, confidence and technical skill. He is direct, fearless, and comfortable taking on defenders, qualities that are rare at such a young age.
Comparisons have already been drawn with Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, not because he is expected to become them overnight, but because his playing style shows similar traits. He likes to stretch defences, attack space, and bring excitement whenever he gets the ball.
For Newcastle, targeting a player like Monga also makes sense in the context of their current struggles. The club has endured a frustrating Premier League campaign so far and sits just 12th after 16 games.
The recent defeat to rivals Sunderland only added to the pressure, with questions once again being asked about Eddie Howe’s long-term future, even if there is still strong backing behind the scenes.
The disappointment has not been helped by a number of summer signings failing to make the desired impact. While Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw have shown promise, others have struggled to settle or stay fit.
Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsay have yet to truly convince, for different reasons. Wissa’s early injury ruled him out for months, while Elanga and Ramsay have found it difficult to secure regular starts.
These issues explain why Newcastle are expected to be active in the market again, both in January and beyond. The club is not just looking for immediate fixes, but also for players who can grow into key figures over time.
Monga fits that vision, even if competition for his signature will be fierce and the price could rise quickly.
At the same time, Newcastle are also exploring more experienced options. Reports suggest the club has held initial discussions over a possible move for Ruben Neves, with the midfielder’s contract in Saudi Arabia nearing its end.
At 28, Neves would bring leadership, composure and quality to a midfield that has lacked consistency this season.
Taken together, these links paint a clear picture of Newcastle’s thinking. They want to blend youth with experience, potential with reliability. Jeremy Monga represents the future, a player who could be shaped and developed into something truly special.
Whether Newcastle can win the race remains to be seen, but the fact they are already at the table shows the club is serious about building something lasting, not just for now, but for years to come.
