After Rico Lewis’ heroics against Sevilla, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano had stated that Manchester City were keen on extending his contract beyond 2025.
The Italian journalist has now also reported that conversations about a brand-new long-term deal for the 17-year-old will be held in the coming weeks and months.
The fact that some of City’s most highly-rated youngsters such as James McAtee and Liam Delap were sent out on loan, while Rico Lewis ended up being in the senior squad was a testament to the fact that he is held in extremely high regard at the club.
So far this season, the gifted right-back has taken any and every opportunity he has been granted with both hands.
Making six appearances in all competitions this term, the boyhood City fan has looked like an established member of the side.
However, Lewis showed the full range of his skillset in his start against Sevilla in the Champions League.
The teenager scored a well-taken equaliser against the Spanish giants, while his quick feet and comfortability in possession prompted the Etihad crowd to give him a standing ovation.
In the Sky Blues’ latest 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup as well, Lewis did not look out of place for even a second of the contest.
With Joao Cancelo mostly just functioning as a left-back since the start of last season, the youth product could well become an understudy to Kyle Walker at right-back.
And with the England international turned 32 in May this year, his time at the blue half of Manchester will be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
Keeping said factor into mind, Manchester City may well be intending to tie Rico Lewis down to a long-term contract, so that he becomes the club’s mainstay at right-back for years to come.
