Rico Lewis set to agree new long-term Manchester City contract | OneFootball

Rico Lewis is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Manchester City.

The 20-year-old is expected to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2030, with an option for a further year.

While the deal is not yet signed, all parties are confident an agreement will soon be reached.

The news ends speculation over a possible move to Nottingham Forest, who had shown strong interest in the versatile defender.

Forest explored the possibility of signing Lewis during their discussions with City over James McAtee, but the player made it clear his future was in Manchester.

Lewis’s current deal runs until 2028, but City have moved to reward his progress since breaking into the first team two years ago.

He joined the club at the age of eight and has already made 94 senior appearances under manager Pep Guardiola.

Lewis has won both the Premier League and the Champions League, while also earning his first caps for England.

He played 44 times across competitions last season, showing his ability to adapt to different roles in defence and midfield.

Capable of operating at right-back, left-back or as a holding midfielder, Lewis has become a key figure in Guardiola’s system.

His contribution was underlined on the opening weekend of this campaign, when he started against Wolverhampton Wanderers and assisted Erling Braut Haaland’s first goal in a 4-0 win.

Lewis subsequently stressed his commitment to City, saying he had ‘never imagined’ playing for another club.

Guardiola has consistently praised the youngster’s intelligence and versatility, often trusting him in high-profile fixtures despite his age.

There were moments of uncertainty last season, when Matheus Nunes was preferred at right-back and Lewis missed the FA Cup final squad.

A suspension at the Club World Cup also limited his involvement, raising questions about his long-term role in the squad.

This new contract signals the manager’s faith in him and the player’s belief that he will continue to develop at the highest level.

With the World Cup on the horizon next year, Lewis is targeting further progress as he looks to cement his place for club and country.