Manchester City have reportedly set a £30 million price tag on academy graduate Rico Lewis, with the versatile defender expected to be among a wave of departures from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 21-year-old England international has seen his playing time dwindle this season, despite signing a long-term contract extension until 2030 back in September 2025. Once a rising star under Pep Guardiola, Lewis now finds himself further down the pecking order as the Catalan manager reshapes his squad.

Matheus Nunes has established himself as Guardiola's preferred right-back this term, enjoying his most consistent campaign since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023. Meanwhile, in midfield, breakout star Nico O'Reilly has become an indispensable fixture after a stellar 2024-25 season, further limiting Lewis's opportunities in his natural position.

This summer's transfer window could see significant turnover at Manchester City. Director of football Hugo Viana is prioritizing a midfield signing as the club prepares for life without captain Bernardo Silva, who is expected to depart. Lewis, who burst onto the scene during City's historic treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, now faces an uncertain future.

Nottingham Forest made a strong push for Lewis last summer, offering a substantial pay rise, but he opted to commit his future to his boyhood club. Now, with Newcastle United and Sunderland reportedly circling, the Bury-born defender may finally move on in search of regular first-team football.

Lewis has already collected two Premier League titles since breaking into the first team midway through the 2022-23 season, replacing Joao Cancelo as Guardiola's go-to right-back after the Portuguese's abrupt loan move to Bayern Munich. However, with his minutes dwindling this campaign, a fresh start could be on the horizon for the talented youngster.