Pep Guardiola reveals Rico Lewis has already told him about his Manchester City future | OneFootball

Rico Lewis has already informed Pep Guardiola of a decision on his Manchester City future, according to the Catalan tactician himself.

The full-back has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation this summer, with Nottingham Forest pushing to sign him and even prepared to double his current wages according to some reports.

City, however, remain determined to keep hold of one of their brightest academy graduates, especially given his versatility in both defence and midfield. The player’s own stance has been the subject of intense debate, particularly following his increasing role under Guardiola.

Lewis has grown in importance since breaking into the first team as a teenager, offering the kind of tactical flexibility that has become a hallmark of Pep Guardiola’s side. While doubts persist about his minutes, the England international has made it clear he views City as his “dream club”.

That loyalty appeared to shine through once more in Pep Guardiola’s post-match reflections this weekend. City’s convincing 0-4 victory over Wolves was a chance for Lewis to reaffirm his value.

His technical quality, composure, and energy in midfield transitions are increasingly vital to the system. For Pep Guardiola, the question has always been not about talent, but about stature, with the Catalan even joking about the defender’s height when discussing his role.

Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Wolves on Saturday evening, Guardiola was quizzed specifically on the future of Rico Lewis amid links and interest from Nottingham Forest.

“I think he’s going to stay, I think,” Guardiola admitted, before being asked whether the 20-year-old had told him that personally, to which he continued, “He told me that.

“But, I said, maybe tomorrow, after tomorrow, it’ll change.”

The 54-year-old added, “The case from Phil [Foden], or from Rico, or from Nico O’Reilly, I have a special sympathy because they were 16 or 17 years old when he arrived here [in the first-team] and starts to win Premier Leagues.

“And his [Lewis’] role, when he plays his role, Rico is an extraordinary player. The only problem I have is he’s so small. If he was taller, I would say, ‘Oh, what a player.’ It’s that. Today, today [Saturday after Wolves], I think he’s going to stay, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Pep Guardiola’s admission offers encouragement for supporters concerned about Lewis’ situation, but it perhaps also leaves the door open for late twists in the market as City continue to review the landscape of their squad roster.

Nottingham Forest remain intent on bolstering their own squad with young Premier League talent, and doubling Rico Lewis’ salary would likely be a move designed to test both the player’s resolve and Manchester City’s stance.

For now, Lewis appears firmly aligned with City, echoing comments he himself made after the Wolves game where he described his ambition to become “an established player” at the Etihad Stadium. However, the unpredictable nature of the transfer window means no option can be entirely ruled out until the deadline passes.

What looks certain is that Manchester City will continue to lean on their academy core, with Lewis, Phil Foden, and Nico O’Reilly at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s next phase. If Lewis stays true to his words, the Premier League giants will have fended off significant interest once again, and retained a player who looks set to play a major role in the club’s long-term plans.