Maybe tomorrow' - Pep Guardiola expects Man City transfer call on Rico Lewis
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Pep Guardiola expects Rico Lewis to remain at Manchester City amid Nottingham Forest interest
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed he expects academy graduate Rico Lewis to stay at the Etihad this summer — but admitted that a departure cannot be completely ruled out.
With just under two weeks left in the transfer window, Nottingham Forest have emerged as keen admirers of the 20-year-old, having already secured the signing of James McAtee from City earlier in the window. Forest are now considering a move for another homegrown talent, with Lewis attracting attention following a string of impressive performances.
The young right-back caught the eye again in City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, where he delivered a commanding display before being substituted for Matheus Nunes. His showing reinforced his credentials in a position that remains open at City, given the club has yet to sign a specialist right-back during this window.
Despite enjoying a promising summer, Lewis endured frustration last season after being left out of the FA Cup Final squad, despite playing a decisive role in the semi-final against Chelsea, where he scored the opening goal.
Speaking after the Wolves win, Guardiola admitted he has held talks with Lewis about his future and, while optimistic that he will remain, he acknowledged that nothing is guaranteed in a summer of change at the Etihad.
“I think he is going to stay. I think,” Guardiola said. “He told me that. But maybe tomorrow it changes. For example, in the case of Phil [Foden], for Rico, for Nico O’Reilly, I have special sympathy because they arrived here at 16 or 17 when we were winning Premier Leagues. In his role he is an extraordinary player. But he is so small. If he was taller, everyone would say, ‘Oh, what a player.’ Today, I think he stays, but I don’t know what will happen.”
For his part, Lewis has made his own position clear, expressing his loyalty to City and desire to cement himself as a regular first-team player.
“For me, I’ve never, ever seen myself at a different club,” Lewis said. “I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream club. When I play with the kind of players I played with today, it brings out the best in me. I’m really happy here.”
The England youth international also stressed the importance of taking personal responsibility for his development and seizing opportunities when they arise.
“Everyone wants assurance and security, but at the end of the day, it’s on me,” he continued. “It’s on me to perform and take the chances. If I do, great. If I don’t, then I have to work harder and get better. Last season I played more than the season before, and this season my aim is the same — to play even more and establish myself fully in the first team.”
With Guardiola’s faith and Lewis’ determination, Manchester City fans will be eager to see if the academy graduate can take another step forward this season — provided Forest’s late interest doesn’t complicate matters.
