Teenage sensation Rico Lewis looks set to commit his long-term future to Manchester City by signing a new contract.
Lewis might only be 18 years old, but already it’s clear that the full-back has a bright future in elite-level football.
The City academy graduate has enjoyed a rapid rise this season, and in 12 months has gone from lifting the Premier League U18s trophy to winning the Premier League proper.
Lewis made his first team debut back in August, and in December scored his first senior goal on his full Champions League debut in a 3-1 win against Sevilla.
Up until the World Cup the youngster impressed in cameo appearances, but in the new year he became a regular fixture in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Lewis started five of City’s first seven league matches after the mid-season break, keeping senior right-backs Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo out of the team.
The teenager looked impressively comfortable tucking into midfield when City attacked, a role he helped senior teammate John Stones get better at.
That is one of the reasons why Guardiola recently credited Lewis with helping to turn City’s season around.
“It’s thanks to Rico – he helped us to understand what we had to do to play better and better,” Pep said.
“The last 10 games he didn’t play much but without Rico this season, the step we made as a team would have been more difficult. That I’m pretty convinced about that.
“The movement he does makes many things fluid. After that Kyle [Walker] realises, John [Stones] playing in that position has been exceptional.”
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, City are about to reward Lewis with a new long-term contract.
“Understand Manchester City are closing in on new long-term deal for Rico Lewis — agreement set to be completed,” the transfer expert tweeted on Monday morning.
“Talks had already been advanced for months and now it’s about final details. Pep, big fan of Rico and his potential. He’s staying at City. Here we go.”
With 32-year-old Walker entering the final year of his contract, City fans will be delighted that their in-house replacement isn’t going anywhere soon.
