Pep Guardiola Identifies Rico Lewis as Potential Bernardo Silva Replacement at Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that academy graduate Rico Lewis has the qualities to step into Bernardo Silva’s midfield role should the Portuguese star leave the club this summer.
Silva’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until the summer, and while a final decision on his future has yet to be made public, the 31-year-old captain has indicated he has made up his mind regarding his next move. Since joining Manchester City from AS Monaco in 2017 for £43 million, Silva has been a central figure in the club’s domestic and European success.
Guardiola appointed Silva as club captain last summer following Kyle Walker’s permanent departure, with Hugo Viana stepping in as director of football amid a period of transition after a challenging 2024-25 campaign.
With City competing on four fronts this season, Guardiola has been assessing squad depth and youth options. The Blues recorded a dominant 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup, and will now face Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
Lewis, 21, impressed during his rare start against Exeter, scoring the fifth goal and influencing play in midfield. Guardiola highlighted his positional intelligence and ability to operate in tight spaces. “He (Lewis) likes to do it but when opponents allow you to go to pockets, he’s just extraordinary. Extraordinary. Always, he’s free and in the right spot, arriving in the box and has ability to score. Always in the right spot, which isn’t easy to find in small spaces,” Guardiola said.
The manager added, “Always I have the feeling he should play more. He knows. I’d say it’s weird to say because he didn’t play much lately, but I’m a big admirer of Rico. I’m completely in love with the way he moves and the way I like to play football.”
Lewis attracted interest from Nottingham Forest in the recent summer transfer window but remained committed to Manchester City, underscoring his loyalty to the club where he developed as a youth player.
On the prospect of Lewis replacing Silva in midfield, Guardiola commented, “They’re the type of player that are so intelligent. They know exactly what’s going on. You can say, ‘You have to play here or there.’”
Whether Lewis’ performance against Exeter is enough to earn back-to-back starts remains to be seen. Guardiola is expected to weigh upcoming fixtures, including Saturday’s Manchester derby, when selecting his starting XI for the Carabao Cup semi-final opener against Newcastle United.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Pep Guardiola say about Rico Lewis?
Guardiola praised Lewis’ intelligence, positioning, and goal-scoring ability, noting he could fill Silva’s midfield role if needed.
Why is Silva’s position under review?
Bernardo Silva’s contract expires in the summer, and he has indicated plans for his next move are already decided.
Did Lewis play well against Exeter?
Yes, he scored a goal and controlled midfield play, highlighting his ability to operate in tight spaces.
Could Lewis start in the Carabao Cup semi-final?
It remains to be decided; Guardiola will consider the Manchester derby and fixture congestion when naming his lineup.
Is Lewis committed to Manchester City?
Yes, he has remained loyal to the club despite interest from Nottingham Forest.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola has signalled strong confidence in Rico Lewis as a potential successor to Bernardo Silva in Manchester City’s midfield. With Silva’s future uncertain and the club navigating a busy fixture schedule, Lewis’ emergence from the academy provides a promising, homegrown solution. Guardiola’s comments underscore the club’s philosophy of blending youth talent with established stars to maintain competitiveness across multiple competitions.
