Rico Lewis, a promising young defender for Manchester City, on Tuesday inked a dream five-year deal with the treble winners.
Lewis played in 23 games for City last year as they won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup under Pep Guardiola. The 18-year-old joined City’s academy when he was eight years old and rose through the ranks to reach Guardiola’s side.
He can play as a full-back or in midfield. Lewis, an under-21 England international, has a deal with City through at least 2028 and started in the champions’ season-opening victory at Burnley on Friday.
“It’s been an unbelievable year for me and now to sign this contract is a dream come true,” Lewis said.
“As a City fan I can remember watching us winning trophies when I was young and it’s the only place I’ve wanted to be.
“To know I’m going to be here until 2028 is fantastic and I can’t wait to keep working and keep improving.”
Lewis demonstrated the depth of his potential last season when he broke Karim Benzema’s record for the youngest player to score on their debut Champions League start by scoring against Sevilla.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Rico is a really intelligent footballer and is already a mature and reliable member of the squad.
“He absorbs every single piece of information Pep gives him, which for a player of his age is special.
“We are very proud to have watched his journey through the academy and to see him playing with such confidence in the first team.
“His energy and hunger around the squad is contagious and we believe he can help to bring more success in the coming years.”
