Pep Guardiola expects Rico Lewis to stay at Manchester City, but he has not ruled out his exit. Nottingham Forest are interested in signing the academy graduate with two weeks left in the transfer window.
Lewis had a great summer with the Blues, but after scoring the first goal in their semi-final victory, he was left out of the FA Cup Final matchday team last season. After signing James McAtee from City, Forest are hoping to add another homegrown talent from the Etihad.
That quality was on display again in the 4-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday, with Lewis excelling at right-back until being replaced by Matheus Nunes. City did not sign a specialist right-back during the transfer window, hence the position is open. Reported By Manchester Evening News.
Guardiola has spoken with the player about his potential exit, and while he believes he will stay, there are no assurances amid a summer of transition for the group.
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“I think he is going to stay. I think,” he said. “He told me that. But maybe tomorrow it changes.
“For example, I feel special sympathy for Phil, Rico, and Nico O’Reilly since they arrived here at the age of 16 or 17 and we were winning Premier Leagues. He plays exceptionally well in his part.
“But he is really small. If he was taller, we’d remark, ‘Oh, what a player’. Today, I believe he will stay, but I am not sure what will happen.
Lewis, for his part, expressed a wish to continue at the Etihad. Speaking after the win over Forest, the 20-year-old stated that he wants to stay at City and strive for first-team opportunity.
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