Interested parties, improved wages, contract terms: Rico Lewis signs new five-year deal at Manchester City

Manchester City have announced this morning that Rico Lewis has penned a fresh five-year deal to keep him at the Etihad Stadium till 2028.

The 18-year-old emerged as a rising star from the academy and made his place in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad with an array of eye-catching, dynamic displays last season.

Lewis made 27 senior appearances for the Champions League winners in their treble-winning campaign as his versatility and composure in possession shining through when stepped onto the pitch for his boyhood club.

13th Aug 2022: Senior debut
5th Oct 2022: #UCL debut
2nd Nov 2022: First #UCL goal
21st May 2023: #PL Champion
3rd June 2023: #FACup Winner
10th June 2023: #UCL Winner

𝑅𝑖𝑐𝑜 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑦 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝐿𝑒𝑤𝑖𝑠, 18-years-old. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/TpIZQxq5V8

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 15, 2023

What are the terms of Rico Lewis’ contract extension?

Lewis has signed a new five-year deal at Manchester City, which will keep him at the club till the summer of 2028.

The contract includes an option of a further one-year extension, which when activated would keep him at the club till 2029, as per Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.

Lewis’ salary has increased by around five times and the young defender is set to play a key role for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in the years to come.

Who were the interested parties in Rico Lewis?

Leeds, Brighton, Everton, Southampton and Bayern Munich were all credited with an interest in the teenage sensation following his exemplary displays under Guardiola last season.

Several European clubs were reportedly monitoring the Englishman closely after talks over an extension between Lewis and Manchester City began earlier in the year.

City will be keen to secure the services of one of their best-ever academy products for a further five years as they look to kick on from their treble success and push for even more.

What has Rico Lewis said upon signing a new deal?

“An unbelievable year and now to sign this contract is a dream come true. As a Manchester City fan, I can remember watching us win trophies when I was young and it’s the only place I’ve wanted to be. To know I’m going to be here until 2028 is fantastic and I can’t wait.

“Everyone at Manchester City has been so amazing, starting with the academy – where I learnt so much and I’m hugely grateful for everything. The fans have been brilliant too and I’ll give everything for them and the club to try to keep us being successful.”

Ig Lewis: "Since the age of 8, I've had a special connection to this club. I'm delighted to re-sign with @ManCity. 🖊️💙 What an amazing journey it's been so far. Six trophies in the last two years, and it still feels like we're just getting started. I'm so thankful for all of the… pic.twitter.com/3OMYseN8cd

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 15, 2023

What has Txiki Begiristain said as Lewis commits his future to Manchester City?

Manchester City director of football said: “Rico is a really intelligent footballer and is already a mature and reliable member of the Manchester City squad. He absorbs every single piece of information Pep (Guardiola) gives him, which for a player of his age is special.

“We’re very proud to have watched his journey through the academy and see him playing with such confidence in the first team. His energy and hunger around the squad is contagious and we believe he can help bring more success in the coming years.”