Manchester City defender Rico Lewis has emerged as a major transfer target across Europe, with Bayern Munich and Juventus now joining the race for his signature, according to fresh reports.
The 20-year-old, one of the most exciting products of City’s academy in recent years, has firmly established himself in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad since making his breakthrough midway through the 2022/23 season. His rise during City’s treble-winning campaign was pivotal, contributing to the eventual fallout between Guardiola and João Cancelo, who left for Bayern Munich on loan in January 2023.
Since then, Lewis has grown into a vital component of Guardiola’s squad. Renowned for his versatility, the England international can operate seamlessly in both midfield and defensive roles, often helping City build out from the back in tight situations—an attribute that has made him a Guardiola favourite.
Lewis underlined his importance once again in City’s 2025/26 Premier League opener against Wolves, setting up Erling Haaland’s goal in a commanding display at Molineux. His performance was a timely reminder of his value to the squad after a busy summer of transfer activity at the Etihad.
In recent weeks, Lewis had been strongly linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, who recently signed fellow City academy graduate James McAtee in a £30 million deal and were reportedly prepared to double Lewis’ wages. However, after Saturday’s victory, Lewis insisted he only sees his future at Manchester City, easing fears among supporters that the club might continue offloading their brightest homegrown talents.
According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa, Brighton, Tottenham, and Everton have also registered interest in the young defender ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus are monitoring developments closely, prepared to act should City indicate a willingness to sell.
Despite Guardiola urging newly-appointed director of football Hugo Viana to sanction further exits this summer, any move to part ways with Lewis would likely provoke a major backlash from the club’s fanbase. For now, Lewis remains committed to City, and Guardiola will be keen to shape his evolving side around the versatile academy star in the years ahead.
