According to 90min, Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis is close to agreeing a new contract with the club.
Following in the footsteps of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, this season Lewis has made the transition from academy to senior football and established himself as a regular member of Pep Guardiola’s City squad.
The 18-year-old full-back has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, including a goal-scoring outing on his full Champions League debut.
While most young players stick to one position when they are bedded into the first team, Lewis has shown his unique talent by playing in several.
The youngster has played in both full-back positions, and looked more than comfortable when tucking into midfield as part of City’s 3-2-4-1 system.
On more than one occasion Guardiola has made it clear how much he values Lewis, and now it looks like the defender will be rewarded with a new contract.
Lewis to commit long-term future
According to 90min, City and Lewis are close to finalising a new contract.
The report claims that City opened talks with their young star earlier this year, with the two parties now close to reaching an agreement.
Lewis signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2022, but with that deal set to expire next year, City are keen to tie the player down.
What does to future hold for Lewis?
Although Guardiola’s decision to field four centre-backs has limited Lewis’ game time over the last couple of months, there is no doubting that the 18-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
Lewis looked right at home as soon as he moved up to the first team, his footballing intelligence and maturity years ahead of a player his age.
His confidence on the ball – particularly in midfield – and understanding of positional play make it clear he is a full-back designed in Guardiola’s image.
With Kyle Walker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the first-choice right-back slot could be available for Lewis to take.
