Manchester City are reportedly on the brink of tying teenage sensation Rico Lewis down to a new contract after lifting another Premier League title.
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the parties have been underway for months, with only a few details left before the final announcement.
Lewis’ current deal at the Etihad Stadium runs out in 2024, but following his impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League, he’s earned an extension.
Pep Guardiola holds the versatile 18-year-old midfielder in high esteem. He promoted the Englishman from Man City’s youth team in the first place, giving him a chance to ply his trade on the top level.
The youngster has clocked 12 Premier League appearances this season, covering a variety of positions, including a defensive-midfielder role and in central defence.
He netted once in two Champions League outings, scoring in the Cityzens’ 3-1 home win over Sevilla in the final group-stage fixture.
As one of the most talented up-and-comers to come through the Man City youth academy, alongside Cole Palmer, Lewis is the one to keep an eye on in the future.
But it seems that Guardiola doesn’t want to take any chances with his prodigious talent as he wants to extend his contract and keep him in the first-team squad instead of loaning him out to gain experience.
While the competition for places at the Etihad remains as stiff as it gets, Lewis has amassed plenty of playing time this season, which could benefit his development in the long run.
He was handed all 90 minutes as Man City squeezed past Chelsea 1-0 on Sunday to celebrate a third consecutive Premier League title at home despite winning it a day before, courtesy of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.
With the Cityzens set to compete in two major finals until the end of the season, Guardiola will likely rotate his squad in the two remaining league games, meaning Lewis should get more chances to showcase his potential.
