Time appears to be up at Manchester City for a player with no defined role in Pep Guardiola’s squad | OneFootball

One player who spent the majority of this season on the periphery of the Manchester City squad is Rico Lewis. The England international has only made 21 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. Most of those appearances have come as a substitute for Lewis. There seem to be two issues for Rico Lewis. One is that he doesn’t appear to have an ideal position. He spends his playing time shifting between right-back and a midfield role. The other is his size. With the way the Premier League has evolved, it doesn’t seem that Lewis is suited to a consistent role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Looking ahead, perhaps a move away from Manchester City is the best move for Rico Lewis.

On that front, a new report indicates that a host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Rico Lewis this summer. Perhaps a summer move is the best option for Lewis so he can play regular first-team football and avoid his career stalling.

A host of Premier League clubs have their eye on a potential move for Rico Lewis.

Graeme Bailey has reported for TeamTalk that a host of Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on the situation with Rico Lewis. Bailey reports that Newcastle and Sunderland are the two clubs keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding Rico Lewis. Fulham, Brentford, Brighton, and Everton are also interested in a potential move for Rico Lewis.

It is also reported by Graeme Bailey that Rico Lewis is concerned by his lack of consistent football at Manchester City. Furthermore, Bailey reports that Lewis is concerned that his ambition to play for England could be harmed if he isn’t playing regularly. Lastly, Bailey reports that Manchester City would not stand in Rico Lewis’ way if he were to pursue a summer transfer.

Leaving Manchester City may be the ideal option for Rico Lewis.

It is hard not to feel for Rico Lewis. He seems to be more a victim of circumstance at Manchester City than anything else. The strengths of Rico Lewis’ game are well-known. He shines playing in tight spaces and in the pockets. Lewis is technically gifted and does look to be the prototypical Manchester City player. However, his lack of a clear role does impede him. There isn’t room for Lewis to have a consistent role in City’s midfield, nor is he considered City’s first-choice right-back. It is hard to plot a path into the City first-team for the England international.

Perhpas a summer move is the best option for Rico Lewis. If he can land at the right club he can solidify himself as regular starter elsewhere. With his versatility and technical ability, there is no doubt that Rico Lewis can play key role somewhere. He is more than good enough to do so. Unfortunately, he may not get that opportunity at Manchester City.

There’s real potential that a host of players could leave Manchester City this summer. Rico Lewis seems to be a player who could depart the club. That may be the best move for him. Lewis has the talent to become a top player. He has shown that at Manchester City. However, the lack of consistent opportunities at City does make it seem like a summer move is best for the England international.