Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘Here We Go’ for major Manchester City contract renewal

Manchester City are on the verge of completing a contract renewal for rising full-back star Rico Lewis, according to a new report from Fabrizio Romano.

The 18 year-old has gone from strength to strength during the second-half of the ongoing season, and topped off an exemplary breakthrough into the Manchester City first-team squad with his first Premier League winner’s medal on Sunday afternoon.

The right-back – who often operates as a defensive midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s new system – starred once again in a 1-0 win over Chelsea, before picking up England’s top domestic prize for the first time in his career.

Manchester City will now be hoping to secure the teenager’s long-term future, and also reward Lewis for his efforts this season with an extended and improved contract at the Etihad Stadium, with negotiations set to come to a conclusion in the coming days and weeks.

According to the information of Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League champions are now closing in on a new long-term deal for Rico Lewis, with an agreement set to be completed.

It is stated that talks between Manchester City, the player, and his representatives have already been ‘advanced’ for months, and now it is only about completing the final details of the new contract.

Unsurprisingly, it is also made clear by Fabrizio Romano that City manager Pep Guardiola is a ‘big fan’ of the full-back and his potential.

Rico Lewis is expected to remain at Manchester City into next season, with the academy graduate deemed an exemplary part of Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad, and a crucial component despite his role as a rotational option in defence.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Guardiola highlighted his admiration for the contributions of Rico Lewis this season, claiming that the season would have been more difficult if it wasn’t for the 18 year-old.

“Many things good happened this season, and the team realised how they have to play; it’s thanks to Rico Lewis,” said Guardiola. “Rico helps us to understand what you have to do to play better, and in the last 10 games he didn’t play much. Without Rico this season? Hmm.”

He continued, “It would’ve been more difficult, the step we made as a team, I’m pretty convinced. Rico, with that movement, he makes the team fluid. After, Kyle [Walker] realised, and John [Stones] playing that position, by watching him. In that position, he’s exceptional.

“But the other players have a lot of things that Rico doesn’t have; experience, and composure during the game. But this is how the team grows in many cases.”

Manchester City are next in action on Wednesday night, as they travel to the south coast to face Brighton & Hove Albion in their penultimate game of the 2022/23 Premier League season.