Man City put faith in Rico Lewis! Defender signs contract extension after impressing in new-look Pep Guardiola side

Despite heavy speculation linking him with a switch to Nottingham Forest during the transfer window, Lewis made it clear he had no interest in leaving. His loyalty has now been rewarded with a contract that cements his place in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the foreseeable future. For a player who has been part of City’s set-up since he was eight years old, the deal represents the latest chapter in a fairytale rise. 

Lewis could not hide his delight after putting pen to paper.

“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,” Lewis said.

“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. 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.”

Lewis has been part of City’s academy since childhood, working his way through every level before breaking into the senior side during the historic treble-winning season of 2022/23. The defender has since gone on to feature almost 100 times for the first team, a staggering achievement for a player who has only turned 20. Guardiola has increasingly deployed him as a hybrid midfielder, where his technical ability, tactical awareness and energy have added an extra layer of dynamism to City’s style of play. This adaptability has made him indispensable in a squad stacked with world-class talent.  

At just 20 years of age, Lewis already boasts a collection of silverware that would make seasoned veterans envious. He has lifted two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Community Shield. 

Lewis’s new deal comes just in time for one of the biggest fixtures of the season: the Manchester derby at the Etihad. City will host rivals Manchester United on Sunday, and Lewis will be hoping to earn a starting spot in the game.