Rico Lewis weighing up options ahead of potential Manchester City exit | OneFootball

Manchester City are once again facing the possibility of losing Rico Lewis this summer, with the versatile youngster weighing up his options ahead of the transfer window.

The prospect of losing a highly-rated, homegrown England international arrives at a frantic period of squad navigation for sporting director Hugo Viana and his recruitment team, as they proceed with plans ahead of the FIFA World Cup’s commencement.

A fresh twist to events saw the club manage shock transfer links involving Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme regarding Erling Haaland, as well as fielding a looming proposal from Tottenham for winger Savinho.

However, keeping a tight hold on the club’s elite youthful core has been designated a priority, making Rico Lewis‘ expected hesitation over committing to the club a significant headache for the incoming coaching staff.

Rico Lewis in limbo over Man City future

Now, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, Rico Lewis’ future at Manchester City is in doubt, and the 21-year-old is currently weighing up his options before making a decision on whether or not to push for a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

The spectacular evolution of Portuguese international Matheus Nunes into the first-choice right-back role has severely limited Lewis’ avenues to securing a consistent starting birth in the matchday line-up, and often saw him left out of 20-man squads entirely.

At 21 years of age, and having already tasted senior international football with England, the versatile starlet is determined to avoid a peripheral role next season, particularly with significant long-term ambitions.

Will Enzo Maresca be involved in any decision?

Enzo Maresca could yet target direct, face-to-face sit-downs with Rico Lewis once non-tournament players report back to the City Football Academy for pre-season training in July, although that remains unconfirmed at this stage.

The Italian could view Lewis as a gifted asset who could seamlessly execute a high-possession blueprint, although his struggles in the way of physicality in central areas may hinder him as the Premier League pivots towards strong figures in midfield, in particular.

If a mutual resolution cannot be brokered over the coming weeks, a domestic transfer saga could take its place in the headlines before the 2026/27 campaign officially kicks off in August, with Nottingham Forest one of the interested clubs from the last season.