Nottingham Forest Make Official Move for Manchester City’s Rico Lewis

Nottingham Forest have sent an official bid to sign defender Rico Lewis from Manchester City. Talks are ongoing with both clubs and the player’s representatives about a possible deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Forest have started their pursuit of Lewis after signing James McAtee from City. Talks are advanced as Forest look to add young talent from the previous Premier League champions. Lewis played more than 30 games in all competitions last season, and is valued at over £30 million. City want to extend his contract, but talks have stalled. They are open to selling if the price is right. Lewis wants regular first-team football, and Forest offer a big wage increase from his current £25,000 per week at City. As per reports, Manchester City are in new contract talks with Rico Lewis.

BACKGROUND: LEWIS’ RISE AND CITY’S SQUAD SITUATION

Lewis has impressed since joining City’s first team at 17, with 94 appearances. He’s filled in at left-back and midfield but isn’t guaranteed a starting spot. Players like Matheus Nunes compete with him. City’s homegrown player quota issues will worsen if Lewis leaves. They’d have five homegrown players, three short of Premier League rules, after recent exits. Forest want Lewis to add depth for their Conference League campaign and improve on last season’s 7th-place finish, where they qualified for the UEFA Conference League.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FOREST, LEWIS, AND CITY?

Forest aim to finalize the transfer soon, with two weeks left in the window. Both teams are getting their seasons started, as Nottingham play Brentford and City start their campaign against Wolves, as they try to improve on last season’s 3rd place finish.