‘No affordability issues’ – Expert: Guardiola call behind Nottingham Forest’s Rico Lewis push
Pep Guardiola’s concerns about Man City’s squad have likely led to Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Rico Lewis.
That is the view of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that any deal is unlikely to be motivated by the Sky Blues’ financial situation.
Guardiola’s side have undergone an extensive overhaul this summer after a miserable trophyless 2024/25 season.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders were signed by Man City this summer, whilst James Trafford, Marcus Bettinelli, and Sverre Nypan also moved to the Etihad.
However, right-back remains an issue following the departure of Kyle Walker to Burnley, and Guardiola spent much of last season using Matheus Nunes as a makeshift alternative on the right side of his defence.
Man City squad size behind Rico Lewis exit talks
This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Forest are attempting to lure Lewis to the City Ground this summer and talks are ongoing between the two clubs [The Athletic].
The 20-year-old is regarded as a highly-talented player, but his inability to make the position his own, and Guardiola’s threats to quit Man City if his squad was not reduced in size are factors behind his potential exit this summer, Plumley told Football Insider exclusively.
He said: “City are one of those clubs that, and we talk about United in a similar way, have no issues with affordability.
“They can buy without having to sell, they’re in that group of clubs.
“The squad size is a factor within that as well, and we’ve seen Guardiola come out and say he doesn’t want to work with a huge squad, so there’s that factor in there as well.”
Man City look to trim squad with Savinho exit
Lewis may not be the only player leaving the Etihad this summer, as Tottenham are pursuing a deal to sign Savinho.
The Brazilian winger joined City last summer, but the former Girona man scored just once in 29 Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.
Tottenham are in the market for new attacking options following the departure of Son Heung-min and James Maddison’s ACL injury.
Mick Brown told Football Insider exclusively that Savinho wants to leave Man City and hopes the club will allow him to move to North London.