Not Savinho: Source confirm Nottingham Forest now join Spurs in race to sign versatile City star
Nottingham Forest have made their ambitions crystal clear this summer, launching an aggressive €30 million bid to sign Manchester City’s highly rated youngster Rico Lewis.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the proposal included a guaranteed €25 million upfront payment, supplemented by an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons.
However, City swiftly rejected the offer, signaling their firm stance on retaining one of their most promising academy products.
Despite the initial setback, Forest remain undeterred. Talks are reportedly ongoing between the two clubs, with discussions also taking place between Forest and Lewis’ representatives regarding personal terms.
The Championship-to-Premier League success story is prepared to return with an improved bid, but they now face stiff competition from several top-flight rivals.
Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa have all entered the race, each making enquiries about the 19-year-old’s availability. Chelsea’s interest appears particularly serious, with the Blues actively exploring the possibility of luring Lewis to Stamford Bridge.
However, City are reluctant to strengthen a direct competitor, making any potential deal with a top-six club far more complicated.
Pep Guardiola has made his position clear—Lewis is a vital part of Manchester City’s future. The teenager has already proven his versatility, excelling as both a full-back and a defensive midfielder under Guardiola’s guidance.
The City boss has repeatedly praised Lewis’ maturity and tactical intelligence, often highlighting his importance to the club’s long-term vision.
In a further effort to secure Lewis’ future, City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, has already opened discussions over a new and improved contract.
The current deal, which runs until 2028, sees Lewis earning £25,000 per week, but the club is prepared to significantly increase his wages to reflect his growing influence in the squad.
For Nottingham Forest, the challenge is twofold: they must not only convince City to part ways with a prized asset but also outmaneuver wealthier and more established Premier League sides.
Their willingness to push forward with an improved offer suggests they see Lewis as a transformative signing, capable of elevating their squad to new heights.
As the transfer saga unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Forest can table an offer too good for City to refuse—or if Guardiola’s determination to keep Lewis at the Etihad will prevail.
One thing is certain: Rico Lewis’ future will be one of the most closely watched storylines as the summer window progresses.
Why Rico Lewis Is in Such High Demand
Lewis’ rapid rise through Manchester City’s ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Breaking into Guardiola’s star-studded squad as a teenager is no small feat, yet Lewis has managed it with composure beyond his years.
His ability to seamlessly adapt to multiple positions makes him an invaluable asset, offering tactical flexibility that is highly coveted in modern football.
At right-back, he combines defensive solidity with an attacking mindset, often drifting into midfield to overload central areas—a hallmark of Guardiola’s system.
When deployed as a defensive midfielder, his intelligence and ball retention skills allow City to maintain control in tight games. These attributes have not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs now vying for his signature.
What This Means for Nottingham Forest
For Forest, securing a player of Lewis’ caliber would represent a major coup. Since their return to the Premier League, they have worked tirelessly to establish themselves as a competitive force, and adding a young, technically gifted player with top-flight experience would be a statement signing.
However, they face an uphill battle against clubs with deeper pockets and greater pulling power.
If they succeed, Lewis could become the cornerstone of their project, offering both immediate quality and long-term potential. If not, they may need to shift focus to alternative targets, with the clock ticking on the summer window.
The Bigger Picture for Manchester City
City’s reluctance to sell Lewis speaks volumes about their faith in his development. Guardiola has never been shy about promoting youth when he believes in their ability, and Lewis has clearly earned his trust.
Losing him to a domestic rival would be a significant blow, especially given his potential to develop into a first-team regular in the coming years.
The next few weeks will be crucial. Will Forest up their bid? Can Chelsea or another suitor sway City’s resolve? Or will Lewis commit his future to the reigning Premier League champions?
Whatever the outcome, this transfer battle underscores just how highly rated Rico Lewis is—and why so many clubs are eager to secure his services.