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Rico Lewis 'agrees new six-year Manchester City deal'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 26 July 2023

Rico Lewis 'agrees new six-year Man City deal'

Rico Lewis is rewarded with a new six-year contract at Manchester City following his breakout season at the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.

Rico Lewis has reportedly committed his long-term future to Manchester City by agreeing to a new six-year deal.

Lewis made his debut for the club last August in a Premier League win over Bournemouth, and went on to appear in all four competitions for Man City last season.

Pep Guardiola has waxed lyrical about Lewis's ability to adapt tactically to how he wants his full-backs to play.

Lewis was often preferred to Joao Cancelo before the Portugal international left for Bayern Munich on loan, given his ability to drift inside and attack efficiently like Cancelo.

Kyle Walker was preferred in City's big games on their road to the Champions League final though, given his experience and defensive knowhow.

John Stones also featured prominently in that position in a hybrid setup which also saw him move into central midfield on occasion.

However, with Walker reportedly on the radar of Bayern this summer, that could provide Lewis with the opportunity to get more game time this season.

The Daily Mail claims that a new contract has been agreed that will see Lewis's wages increase fivefold, and ensure that his future will be at the club until at least 2028.

City also have an option to extend his contract for a further year, when the full-back would be in his mid-20s.

Despite being just 18, Lewis made 23 appearances for the club last season, and received winners medals for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in City's historic treble-winning campaign.

Lewis made his own headlines by scoring in a Champions League group-stage win over Sevilla last season.

That goal made him Man City's youngest ever scorer in the competition, as well as being the youngest player to score on his debut in Champions League history.

The report also claims that Nathan Ake is close to committing his long-term future to the club too.

Ake played a pivotal role in all competitions for City last season, despite an injury late in the campaign, playing 41 times for Guardiola's side.

The injury kept the Dutchman out of both semi-final legs against Real Madrid, but he returned for the final against Inter Milan.

Ake played the 90 minutes in Istanbul, where his versatility was evident, playing in a shifting role as a left centre-back and left-back.

The 28-year-old was taken off early in their friendly against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, but it is believed that it was only precautionary.