Rico Lewis signs new Manchester City contract extension | OneFootball

Manchester City have announced a new long-term contract extension signed by Rico Lewis following a summer of transfer speculation.

The new deal arrives at a time when the right-back role has been one of the most talked-about positions in Guardiola’s squad. Over the past year, City have had to improvise defensively, with Kyle Walker carefully managed, and midfielders such as Matheus Nunes filling in on the right.

Despite Lewis breaking through from the City Academy and impressing in patches, reports suggested that some within the club remained unconvinced that he could serve as a permanent solution to the role.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has continued to develop his game under Guardiola, showing intelligence both on and off the ball. His versatility – able to operate as an inverted full-back stepping into midfield – has ensured he remains a key squad option during transitional phases.

Manchester City’s hierarchy, aware of external transfer interest in Rico Lewis during the summer specifically from Nottingham Forest, have now moved to put an end to any speculation by securing his future on a long-term basis.

Now, Manchester City have confirmed that Rico Lewis has signed a brand new five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2030.

Reacting to his new agreement, Rico Lewis said, “Manchester City mean everything to me so to have been given the opportunity to sign this new contract is such a special moment both for me personally and my family.

“I am still improving and developing as a player, and I know that the opportunity to carry on working with Pep, his coaching team and our amazing squad will only help me to keep getting better.

“I have spent so much of my life at this club. City means everything to me, so to be able to stay longer makes me incredibly happy. It’s an absolute honour and privilege to represent the Club every single day and to play in front of our fantastic fans who have always been so supportive of me.”

The 20-year-old continued, “I will give everything to try and help us look to achieve more success both this season and beyond and with the world class squad we have, I very am excited about what the future holds for the Club.”

Offering his own thoughts, sporting director Hugo Viana said, “Rico embodies everything we aspire to be at Manchester City, and we are delighted he has signed his new contract. He is hugely talented and already has acquired a wealth of experience.

“Despite only being 20, he is hungry to keep learning and improving. His attitude is first class and exactly what we look for in a young player. Having come through our Academy, Rico carries with him all the values that underpin Manchester City and he cares deeply about the Club.

“And we have no doubt at all he will play a very big part in our endeavour to help bring more success to the Club going forward.”

Looking ahead, the agreement could also influence Manchester City’s transfer plans. While the club remain linked with several specialist right-backs across Europe, Rico Lewis’ long-term commitment provides Pep Guardiola with greater flexibility in shaping his squad.

It also signals confidence in his continued progression, even if competition in the position is likely to be intensified. The challenge for Lewis now will be to convert promise into consistency, with Manchester City expected to fight on all fronts once again this season.

Should he rise to the occasion, the 20-year-old could cement himself as the heir to Kyle Walker’s role in the years ahead, while saving the club from having to invest heavily in that area of the pitch.