Rico Lewis stays at City amid Forest bid

The 20-year-old defender has stated his intention to remain with Manchester City amid interest from Nottingham Forest.

Rico Lewis commits to City amid Forest bid

Rico Lewis, 20, has told Manchester City he has no plans to leave this summer, despite interest from Nottingham Forest. The academy graduate started in City’s 4-0 win at Wolves, and Pep Guardiola kept him ahead of Matheus Nunes in the right-back pecking order for that match, signaling the club’s belief in his potential. Lewis joined City at eight and says his aim is to establish himself at the Etihad. He told reporters that playing alongside top-level teammates brings out the best in him and that his future will depend on his performances rather than assurances from the club. He acknowledged the sting of last season’s title miss but said the squad remains hungry for success this season.

Nottingham Forest have pursued Lewis as part of a broader plan to sign City academy talents, though they have already sealed the signing of James McAtee for a reported £22m. The club, under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, are said to be closing on Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and weighing a move for Douglas Luiz as they rebuild. Forest have also pursued Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich in a £37m deal, signaling a wider recruitment push as they seek immediate impact and long-term growth.

City relies on its academy to produce homegrown talent who can step into big games without breaking the bank. Lewis’s stance will test how far Guardiola will push a player who has shown big promise but still needs regular minutes. Forest’s approach underlines a shift in the market where clubs chase young, affordable prospects with high upside, turning a rival’s academy into a rival’s asset. The dynamic exposes two risks: player frustration if minutes don’t come, and financial pressure as the transfer market prices up potential星s for young players.

Highlights

City’s betting on development could redefine youth strategy in a crowded market.