Rico Lewis explains major Manchester City transfer decision after Phil Foden example

Manchester City teenager Rico Lewis has revealed his reasons for rejecting the opportunity to spend time away from the Etihad Stadium on loan.

The 19-year-old is set to make his first appearance for the England first-team this month, after being called-up by interim manager Lee Carsley for UEFA Nations League fixtures against both Ireland and Finland.

The Three Lions call-up comes after an impressive start to the new 2024/25 season for the teenager, with Lewis having started all four of Manchester City’s opening matches for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Lewis, who registered an assist during Saturday evening’s win over West Ham at the London Stadium, has made over 50 appearances for the Manchester City first-team since making his debut against Bournemouth in August 2022.

The right-back has already won six trophies with the Sky Blues, including two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, an FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and FA Community Shield.

The defender featured 27 times for Manchester City last season, making 17 starts for Guardiola’s side across a host of different competitions.

Lewis is the latest success from the City Football Academy, with the Englishman having chosen to remain at Manchester City to develop instead of moving elsewhere on loan to further his first-team experience.

Explaining his reasons for remaining at the Etihad Stadium, Lewis said: “I never thought about going anywhere. I was training with the best players in the world and the best manager in the world day-in, day-out and it’s pretty much impossible not to learn stuff.

“Obviously, playing games is important and that’s what people will look at – how you are doing. But I don’t think there is any place that has got better development than City.

“Phil [Foden] had that path before me and there’s no one in front of me who hasn’t done that and got into the first team. To see him do it gives me that peace of mind.”

Foden famously rejected suggestions to leave Manchester City on loan during his initial development as a teenager, with the 24-year-old having now made 271 appearances for the Blues since his debut in 2017.

Oscar Bobb has also chosen to remain in east Manchester, although James McAtee has recently been reintegrated after two loan spells at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United.