Manchester City opened their Premier League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, but Pep Guardiola has admitted there is still uncertainty over the future of academy graduate Rico Lewis.
The 19-year-old full-back, who played a key role in Saturday’s win by assisting Erling Haaland’s opener, has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest before the transfer deadline. Forest have already secured the services of James McAtee from City for £30m and are believed to be monitoring Lewis closely.
Guardiola expressed both admiration and caution when asked about the youngster’s situation:
“I think he is going to stay. I think. He told me that. But maybe tomorrow it changes,” Guardiola said. “For players like Phil [Foden], for Rico, for Nico O’Reilly, I have special sympathy because they were 16 or 17 years old when they arrived here and we were winning Premier Leagues. In his role he is an extraordinary player. But he is so small. If he was taller we’d say, ‘oh what a player.’ Today, I think he is going to stay but I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Lewis himself made it clear he remains committed to City, insisting he has no intention of leaving the club he grew up supporting.
“I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream club, and when I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best in me. Everyone wants assurance and security, but at the end of the day, it’s on me to perform. If I take my chances, I stay in the team. If not, I have to work harder and get better.”
Lewis’ contribution helped City take control of the match before debutant Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead. Haaland added a second goal after the break, assisted by Reijnders, while Rayan Cherki came off the bench to seal the win late on.
Guardiola praised Reijnders, calling the Dutch midfielder “an incredible, big signing,” highlighting his work ethic, control on the ball, and ability to push forward into dangerous areas.
Wolves manager Vítor Pereira, meanwhile, admitted his side needs reinforcements after losing key players including Rayan Aït-Nouri, Matheus Cunha, and Nelson Semedo over the summer.
“We need to keep doing the good things, improve the bad things and wait for the club to buy new players because we need new quality to help,” Pereira said.
With the transfer deadline approaching, City’s focus will remain on keeping their promising academy talents, while Forest could yet test their resolve with another bid.
