Manchester City have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs throughout the summer transfer window so far.
Last season was tough for everyone involved with the Manchester club, and in order to make sure City don’t experience that again, Pep Guardiola was keen to add four to five new faces to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, a number already reached.
The transfer business is unlikely to stop there, as Man City are still interested in signing a right-back, which could intensify now that the Premier League giants have exited the FIFA Club World Cup.
When it comes to players already in Guardiola’s squad, exits will take place over the coming weeks, while contract talks will begin with several stars to extend their stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have now opened discussions with a “key” part of Guardiola’s project over a new deal, even though his current contract does not expire until 2028.
Rico Lewis in action during Nottingham Forest v Manchester City.
Photo by Cameron Smith – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Man City begin talks with Rico Lewis over a new contract
Rico Lewis would have been hoping to make a claim for the starting right-back role in Guardiola’s team ahead of the Club World Cup; however, the 20-year-old’s campaign was destroyed by a very harsh red card in Man City’s opener against Wydad AC.
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Nevertheless, the Spanish coach still has plans for the full-back, and according to Fabrizio Romano, talks are underway between Lewis and Manchester City over a new contract, as the club started initial conversations months ago.
The transfer expert has stated that talks are set to intensify soon as the Englishman wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium, with both Guardiola and Hugo Viana viewing him as a “key part” of their project. The new deal will also see Lewis receive an improvement on his current salary.
🚨🔵 New deal talks underway between Rico Lewis and Manchester City as club started initial conversations months ago.
Talks set to intensify soon as Rico wants to stay and Pep Guadiola-Hugo Viana see him as key part of project.
Improved salary will be offered. pic.twitter.com/1ko6LeJ3tH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2025
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Lewis impressed Guardiola with his display in Man City’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest last season, and although many fans have doubts about the 20-year-old, the legendary coach does not share the same feelings.
The 54-year-old may still sign a new right-back, but with Lewis being so young, there is still time for the English talent to develop into City’s long-term option for the role.
Pep Guardiola during a Man City press conference.
Photo by MOHAMED TAGELDIN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Rico Lewis’ Man City career so far
Lewis’ progression at Man City has been up and down since his breakthrough year during the 22/23 campaign, which is to be expected when it comes to a young talent.
This season, in addition to the 2023/24 campaign, were positive for the right-back, and although last time around the Englishman began the term off as a starter, the last few months saw Matheus Nunes jump ahead of the 20-year-old at right-back.
Season Games Goals Assists Minutes
24/25 44 2 5 3160
23/24 27 2 4 1608
22/23 23 1 0 1428
Rico Lewis’ Man City career
The 2025/26 campaign is set to be a big one for Lewis as he continues to try and establish himself at the Etihad Stadium, which could be about to receive an early setback should Guardiola sign a new right-back.
Lewis will have full faith in his manager, but this is something the youngster needs to consider before he puts pen to paper on a new deal.