Nottingham Forest are leading the race to sign Manchester City right‑back Rico Lewis, according to former Everton chief Keith Wyness, who told Football Insider the 21‑year‑old will likely push for an exit this summer. Forest’s recent £116 million cash injection from the Elliot Anderson deal puts them in a strong position to structure a bid that beats Everton, who also need a right‑back.

Why is Forest ahead of the game?

Wyness, who ran Everton from 2004‑2009 and now advises elite clubs, said Forest can afford a deal that “beats anybody else” because the Elliot Anderson money is now available. He noted that Lewis only made four starts last season, suggesting he’s not in Pep Guardiola’s plans. Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis has been targeting young English talent, and Lewis fits that profile perfectly.

How does the transfer fit Forest’s summer strategy?

The club’s recent activity shows a clear intent to rebuild. After selling Anderson to City for £116 million, Forest have signalled they are “exploring” a move for Lewis, with the manager Oliver Glasner keen to add a quality defender. Wyness believes the player will get regular minutes at Forest, something he struggled for at City, and that the chance to work under Glasner could be attractive.

What are the alternatives and timeline?

Everton remain in the mix, needing a right‑back and reportedly closing in on a deal. However, Wyness expects the final decision to come down to who can guarantee Lewis full‑time football. City have said they will consider any serious offer, but are not actively pushing the player out. The window closes on 31 August, so negotiations are expected to intensify over the next few weeks.

Current Forest context

Forest sit 16th in the Premier League with 44 points from 38 games (11W‑11D‑16L) and a recent form of DLDWW. They have scored 48 and conceded 51, sitting 41 points behind leaders Arsenal. Their last result was a 1‑1 draw with Bournemouth on 24 May 2026, and they host Blackburn on 22 July 2026.

If the deal goes through, Lewis would join a side fighting to climb out of the relegation zone, adding depth and quality to a back line that has struggled this season. The move could also signal Forest’s ambition to compete for higher‑table finishes in the coming years.