Rico Lewis told to push for Everton move to take 'next step forward'
Rico Lewis must push for regular Premier League football this summer with a potential move to Everton representing a great opportunity to develop.
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Manchester City talent has been linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer after a disappointing individual season.
Lewis' start against Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season was his first since the middle of January, and only his fourth league start of the campaign.
In all competitions, the defender made just 22 appearances amid injury and failure to break into the squad.
Everton are keen to sign a new full-back this summer and could be presented an ideal market opportunity in the form of Lewis.
Bryan King encourages Rico Lewis move
Lewis made his breakthrough in the 2022-23 season, making regular appearances at just the age of 18 in a team that would ultimately win the treble.
The following season would see him make even more appearances, playing a key role in the Champions League before Man City went out.
Even the 2024-25 season would start with Lewis among the key men, named in the starting XI for the majority of the start of the campaign before featuring less towards the end.
Last season was a different story completely, with the 21-year-old seriously struggling for minutes.
"If he's going to get the opportunity to play football, that can only be beneficial for him. It's whether City want to sell him or put him out on loan, but it's matches," King told Football Insider.
"He's not been guaranteed matches at Man City, has he? You know, he'll come in, he'll go out. He goes out more than he comes in. So, you know, if he's going to get games at Everton, then it could be a good move for him.
"But will he go as a permanent signing or will he go on loan? If he's going to move forward, he's got to play games. It's great being with Man City, yes, but you've got to be playing games.
"If you want to take that next step forward, it's no good playing one in 10. You want to be playing 10 in 10. If he gets that chance at Everton, then there's your move or your loan."
What has Lewis said on his future?
Speaking to Manchester Evening News this month, Lewis said: "Who knows what the future holds.
"Last season could be called a disappointing season but I think it’s exactly what I needed.
"There’s a plan in place for me that I just have to believe in. I’ve got full faith it will come to fruition.”
The plan Lewis is referring to may not be the same plan that Man City have in mind, however. Should he continue not to play, the defender will have no choice but to look elsewhere.