Rico Lewis is set to sign a new long-term Manchester City contract after a breakthrough campaign in which he has become an established member of Pep Guardiola's first team as they look to create history by winning the three major honours left for them to win this campaign.
Chris Bailey of The National, the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, reports that Lewis is set for a new contract at the end of the season with a significant pay rise, rewarding his exports in a campaign that saw the full-back become the club's youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer.
The 18-year-old emerged as an impressive solution at full-back for Guardiola with his ability to come inside to midfield, with the Catalan often suggesting that the youngster is the best option at the club for such a role.
Lewis has been at the club since eight-years-old and has risen through the ranks admirably, captaining numerous City youth teams on his way to the first team, with similar happening on an international level for England; the Bury-born defender earned his first Under-21 call up in the last international break, and some reports even suggested that Gareth Southgate was monitoring him for the first team.
Lewis featured more heavily as the team began its upturn in performance levels and results after the World Cup, and although his minutes have diminished recently, with Guardiola preferring his experienced central defenders and Kyle Walker at full-back as the magnitude of games increases, he will undoubtedly play a key role in the immediate and long-term future for the club.
Walker's existing contract expires in 2024, with his future at the club beyond that uncertain, and Lewis would appear to be the natural successor positionally – and as long as Guardiola remains in Manchester, an inverted role within the midfield will always present an opportunity for the City academy graduate.
The City faithful will no doubt welcome the news of Lewis signing a fresh contract at the Etihad Stadium as he continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football.
Written by: @NA1907_
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