With the Premier League becoming a far more physical division than it once was. Rico Lewis' height is reportedly a big issue now.
Sam Lee wrote in The Athletic, "(Pep) Guardiola has always referenced Lewis’ relatively short height (5ft 7in/170cm) even at the best of times, and now that his ability to find space is less useful than it was, it feels like he does not fit.
"One start league start since August helps paint that picture and although he signed a new contract last summer, Lewis might be better off looking for opportunities elsewhere."
It is always sad for any fanbase to see someone who came through the club's academy depart. However, this is the nature of Man City's summer focused on players leaving the club.
Lewis joined City at the age of just eight and has gone on to represent them 115 times, scoring seven goals with 12 assists.
This season, Lewis has featured just 10 times in the Premier League. His campaign has been disrupted due to an ankle injury. However, he was not involved in the EFL Cup final win over Arsenal. He has not featured in the Premier League since January, and was left on the bench as City defeated Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final over the weekend.
Where could Rico Lewis go?
Lewis is only 21, so it would make sense for his development for him to find a club where he can play regularly. He already has five England caps, so it would be a shame to see his career stunted by staying at the Etihad Stadium.
One possible destination for the right-back could be Newcastle United, who will need a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier. He is set to leave St. James' Park this summer, which creates a vacancy in the Magpies' squad.
Newcastle is enduring a difficult season, where they are currently 14th in the Premier League. There is also uncertainty as to whether Eddie Howe will remain their manager beyond the summer. This is not ideal for Lewis if he is thinking about joining the Magpies.
Lewis' contract at City expires in 2030, but Newcastle is a very wealthy club that would be able to pay for him and his wages. When the North East side was taken over by PIF, they were expected to turn into world beaters. However, due to the Premier League's profitability and sustainability regulations, they have not been able to sign the big names that were expected. This has led to limited success apart from an EFL Cup victory.
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