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

Nottingham Forest have received a final blow to their hopes of signing Rico Lewis this summer, with the young defender set to extend his stay at Manchester City.

The Englishman has been the subject of growing transfer interest in recent weeks, with Forest leading the charge. However, City’s confidence that the 20-year-old wanted to remain at the Etihad Stadium has now been vindicated.

Lewis’ rise through the City Football Academy has been widely celebrated by supporters, with his versatility across defensive and midfield roles proving crucial for Pep Guardiola’s tactical flexibility. Having already made his senior England debut, his continued development is viewed as essential to the club’s future.

The player’s importance was once again highlighted on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, with Lewis impressing during a 0-4 away victory over Wolves at Molineux, catching the eye with his composure, energy, and adaptability.

Now, it seems as though that performance has helped accelerate fresh talks over a contract renewal, with Pep Guardiola himself hinting after the game that Rico Lewis would remain at the Etihad Stadium, further calming speculation around his future.

According to the information of MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Rico Lewis is now set to sign a new five-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay at the club by a further two seasons.

It is explained that Nottingham Forest had spent last week attempting to secure a deal for Lewis, and had been afforded enough encouragement to bid for the England international – who always wanted to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

Having impressed in City’s opening day victory at Wolves, negotiations over an extension for Rico Lewis are said to have ‘accelerated quickly’ early this week, after the club had been in talks with the 20-year-old over a new deal this summer without coming to an agreement.

Additional reporting from The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Jordan Campbell further reveals that there is the option of a further 12 months in Lewis’ new contract until 2030, while no release clause will be embedded into the contract.

Speaking after the Wolves game, Lewis himself reaffirmed his commitment to City, as he said, “For me, I’ve never, ever seen myself at a different club. I’ve always wanted to play for Manchester City.

“It’s my dream club, and like you see today, when I’m playing with the kind of players I’m playing with, it brings out the best in me, so I’m so happy.”

The youngster also reflected on his goals for the season and commitment to earning his place in the squad, explaining, “It’s difficult; everyone wants assurance and security, but at the end of the day, it’s on me to perform, take chances. If I take my chances, I do it.

“If I don’t, then I have to work and get better. Last season I played more than the season before, this season I want to play more than last, so it’s always the same goal, becoming an established player.”

Pep Guardiola, who has long been an admirer of Lewis’ ability to slot into multiple roles, also dropped a clear hint: “I think he’s going to stay, I think. He told me that… Today, I think he’s going to stay, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Looking ahead, the new deal would further cement Manchester City’s long-term planning around their Academy graduates, joining Phil Foden as another homegrown player expected to form the spine of Pep Guardiola’s evolving side.

With fixtures across four competitions this season, Rico Lewis is likely to see his role expand further, particularly given his ability to cover full-back, midfield, and even inverted roles. For City, tying down one of English football’s brightest prospects represents another victory.