Manchester City's Rico Lewis has declared his intention to remain at the club, despite reported interest from Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old defender, who has been with City since childhood, emphasized his unwavering commitment to the Premier League champions. Lewis believes the disappointment of missing out on the title last season has only strengthened the squad's resolve under Pep Guardiola.
Lewis Rejects Forest Overture
“For me, I’ve never ever seen myself leaving,” Lewis stated after City’s dominant 4-0 victory against Wolves. “I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream. When I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best of me. So I’m so happy.” This firm statement suggests that Forest's pursuit of the young talent is unlikely to bear fruit.
Guardiola's Faith in Lewis
Despite facing increased competition for a starting spot, Lewis appeared in 44 matches last season. He has directly spoken with Guardiola about his role in the team. Guardiola has seemingly reassured Lewis of his importance, demonstrated by his selection over Matheus Nunes in the recent win against Wolves. Lewis acknowledges the pressure to perform, stating, “Everyone wants that assurance and security, but at the end of day, it’s on me. It’s on me to perform.”
Forest's Transfer Troubles
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has voiced serious concerns about the club's preparations for the upcoming season. He described the situation as a “major problem,” citing issues with squad planning and the inability to build team cohesion due to transfer uncertainties. While Forest has made signings, including Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, and Angus Gunn, Nuno believes the team is “very, very far from where we should be.”
Forest is actively looking to bolster their squad, having reportedly agreed to a deal for Manchester City's James McAtee and pursuing other targets like Omari Hutchinson. However, Nuno's comments highlight the challenges facing the club as they prepare for a season that includes Europa League football.
Key Takeaways
- Rico Lewis is committed to staying at Manchester City.
- Nottingham Forest faces significant challenges in preparing for the new season.
- Forest is actively seeking to strengthen their squad through transfers.