Manchester City will not sell Tottenham Hotspur target Rico Lewis this summer
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of pulling off a surprise late swoop for Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis look to have been dashed after both Pep Guardiola and the player himself signalled his intention to stay at the Etihad. This is according to a report from Teamtalk.
Spurs have been keeping tabs on Lewis all summer, intrigued by his versatility and maturity well beyond his years. Capable of slotting in at full-back or stepping into midfield, the 20-year-old seemed a natural fit for Thomas Frank’s system, which thrives on technical, adaptable players.
But while Nottingham Forest opened talks with City, even tabling a €30m package, Guardiola has effectively shut the door. Speaking after City’s 4-0 win over Wolves, he made it clear he expects Lewis to stay, citing conversations with the youngster himself.
Lewis living the dream at Manchester City
Manchester City will not sell Tottenham Hotspur target Rico Lewis this summer.
Pep Guardiola continues to be a thorn in Tottenham’s side.
For Tottenham, the biggest setback isn’t just City’s reluctance to sell, it’s Lewis’ own stance. The England international doubled down on his commitment to his boyhood club, calling City his “dream club” and insisting he’s never considered playing elsewhere. Those words make it clear that even if Spurs were willing to match City’s €40m valuation, persuading the player himself was always going to be an uphill battle.
Reports suggest City are preparing a new contract for Lewis, one that will not only reward his rapid rise but also fend off any suitors, Spurs included, by tying him down long-term on significantly improved wages.
Manchester City will not sell Tottenham Hotspur target Rico Lewis this summer.
Both Eze and Savinho are also on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar.
What now for Spurs?
While Lewis seemed like a dream addition, Spurs’ recruitment team will now have to focus elsewhere as Levy and Frank aim to strengthen before deadline day. The failed pursuit of Savinho already left supporters frustrated, and missing out on Lewis is another reminder of the tough competition at the top of the Premier League market.
The good news? Spurs are still firmly in the race for Eberechi Eze, and Daniel Levy remains intent on adding another creative outlet to offset the absence of James Maddison. Lewis would have been an exciting coup, but with City unwilling to play ball and the player committed to staying, Spurs will need to look at more realistic options to bolster Frank’s squad.