Everton should be doing everything possible to sign Rico Lewis if Man City are genuinely willing to let him leave.
Players with his blend of technical quality, versatility and Premier League experience rarely become available at 21, let alone to clubs outside the traditional title challengers.
David Moyes has spent much of the summer searching for the right solution at right-back, but Lewis would be far more than that.
He is the sort of footballer capable of changing the way Everton play.
Unlike a conventional full-back, Lewis offers tactical flexibility that very few players possess.
Under Pep Guardiola, he has operated at right-back, left-back, central midfield and as an inverted full-back stepping into the middle of the pitch during possession.
That versatility has been one of the reasons Guardiola labelled him a “big talent” and “extraordinary“, whilst even comparing his ability to Germany great Philipp Lahm, describing him as City’s own version of the legendary defender.
That is why Everton’s latest move feels so ambitious.
Everton going ‘all out’ for Man City defender Rico Lewis
According to Spanish journalist Christian Vaquero on X, the Blues are now going “all out” to sign Lewis.
He adds that the England international is open to leaving the Etihad in pursuit of more regular football and, crucially, City are also prepared to negotiate if the right offer arrives.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Christian Vaquero is a Spanish football journalist who regularly reports on transfer developments involving La Liga and Premier League clubs. While he is not yet regarded alongside Europe’s leading transfer specialists, his information is increasingly cited by other outlets. |
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Finances |
Lewis remains under a long-term contract at City, meaning Everton would almost certainly need to pay a substantial transfer fee. City’s strong negotiating position and the defender’s homegrown status increase his value considerably, so any deal would represent one of Everton’s biggest financial commitments of the window. |
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Insight |
Lewis stands out because of his versatility. Equally comfortable in defence or midfield, he reads the game quickly, rarely wastes possession and adapts effortlessly to different systems. Those qualities earned repeated praise from Pep Guardiola despite fierce competition within City’s squad. |
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Impact |
Signing Lewis would give Everton far more than just a new right-back. He would allow Moyes to plug multiple holes at once, while his technical quality would improve the team’s build-up play. At just 21, he could also become a cornerstone of Everton’s squad for years to come. |
Those two developments significantly alter the picture.
For much of the past year, City’s stance appeared to be that Lewis would remain part of their plans despite fierce competition for places.
But with opportunities becoming more limited following further additions to the squad, Everton now believe there could finally be a realistic chance of completing a deal.
Moyes has already strengthened his midfield and out wide this summer but continues searching for a long-term answer on the right side of defence.
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Lewis would immediately raise the level of the team while also giving Moyes the option of changing shape during matches without making substitutions.
The biggest challenge will almost certainly be financial.
Lewis remains under contract until 2030, meaning City still control negotiations despite their reported willingness to listen to offers.
Everton would therefore need to present both an attractive transfer package and a convincing sporting project if they hope to persuade all parties.
