Could a change of role be what an England international needs at Manchester City?

The 2025-26 season was a disappointing campaign for Rico Lewis. Lewis fell down the pecking order at Manchester City and made only 22 appearances in all competitions. Matheus Nunes made the right-back position his own last season, and it did seem like Lewis’s lack of size counted against him as the Premier League evolved. Looking ahead to next season, perhaps a new role is in store for Rico Lewis. If not, a summer transfer may be exactly what Lewis needs to play regularly and grow into the player he’s always promised to become.

With Bernardo Silva gone, could Rico Lewis step into the vacant spot in the Manchester City midfield?

Bernardo Silva has departed Manchester City after establishing himself as a club legend. With Bernardo Silva gone, there is a vacancy in City’s midfield that needs to be filled. City are in the market for a midfielder this summer. However, the possibility exists that a player such as Rico Lewis could slot into midfield.

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Rico Lewis is a midfielder. He broke through at City as a right-back. However, he plays his best football in the middle of the pitch. Lewis, while small, is technically superb and thrives playing in the half-spaces that City are generally forced to operate in during matches. Lewis also knows Manchester City’s system intimately. While Pep Guardiola has left City, their system shouldn’t change too much with a new manager. Lewis knowing the City way could be vitally important next season.

Also, Rico Lewis is highly regarded at Manchester City. He signed a contract extension with the club at the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Clearly, City rate him highly. The England international just needs a permanent role at City to prosper as a player. Perhaps moving into midfield is the opportunity that Rico Lewis needs.

If a move to midfield doesn’t occur, a summer transfer could be on the cards for Rico Lewis.

There is also a case against Rico Lewis moving into midfield: his size. The Premier League has evolved into a league where winning physical and aerial duels is key. At only 170 centimeters tall, Rico Lewis’s height does count against him. It shouldn’t, as Bernardo Silva never struggled in this regard during his time in England. Rico Lewis could similarly thrive in City’s engine room.

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However, if Manchester City and Rico Lewis don’t see a way for him to play regularly, a summer move may be best for him. Lewis needs to be playing regularly to fulfill his potential. Being a bit-part player for City doesn’t suit him. A move to the Bundesliga, or to a Premier League club like Brighton, for example, may suit Rico Lewis as a player. What Lewis won’t want is to suffer the same fate he did this season at City again. A summer transfer may be what Rico Lewis needs.

Rico Lewis has shown he has the talent to play at Manchester City. That isn’t in question. The issue is he doesn’t have a defined role at the club. A move into midfield may suit Lewis best. That way he may get more opportunities to play. If not, a summer transfer may be on the cards. However, it would be better to see Rico Lewis make it at Manchester City, given that he has risen through City’s academy ranks and is a fantastic story for the club.