Leicester City ‘agree’ deal to sign Man City player Pep Guardiola called ‘unbelievable’
Leicester City have agreed a deal for Man City youngster Divine Mukasa on an initial loan until the end of the season.
Andy King is currently leading Leicester, after Marti Cifuentes was sacked last week following a dismal run of form in the Championship.
Ex-Rangers boss Russell Martin is among the favourites to take the permanent role, but a firm decision is yet to be taken.
Leicester lost 2-0 to Charlton Athletic on Saturday, in what was a hugely damaging result at the King Power Stadium.
King was left furious at his Leicester players, with Caleb Okoli getting himself sent off after just 15 minutes.
Leicester City agree deal for Divine Mukasa
Mukasa joined the Man City academy from West Ham in 2023, and he has made six appearances for the Citizens this season.
The England youth international’s debut came against Huddersfield Town in September, and he has appeared in the Carabao Cup, the Premier League and the FA Cup since, picking up two assists.
The attacking midfielder is a regular for Man City’s Under-18s and U21s, too, but he is now set for more regular first-team minutes.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday that Leicester have agreed a deal to sign Mukasa on an initial loan.
The 18-year-old will sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium before joining the Foxes, with the deal agreed in principle.
What Pep Guardiola said about ‘top, top’ Mukasa
Mukasa’s debut against Huddersfield saw him deployed in a position that may not have come naturally to him.
Normally an attacking midfielder, the 18-year-old started through the centre of the attack in a false-nine role.
| Divine Mukasa | Vs Huddersfield Town |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 26/29 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots | 6 |
| Touches in opposition box | 8 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
And his response was to play brilliantly, grabbing an assist for Phil Foden‘s goal, taking six shots, and winning three of his duels.
Mukasa’s performance was so impressive that he remained on the pitch for the 90 minutes, and caught the attentions of Pep Guardiola.
“Divine played unbelievable, he’s an incredibly top player in the pockets, in the striker [position], has a good sense,” the Spaniard said. “He had two or three chances to score.”
“Divine is top, top,” he later continued. “He has a sense of touch, quality with the ball, and he fought a lot. He played really good!”
It will be a new experience for the youngster, who has not yet had consistent first-team football in his young career. And the situation at Leicester is not an easy one to walk into.
But the Foxes will be grateful to have assistance in their battle, and there may well be a new manager to utilise him in the coming days.