The 20-year-old made it clear his ambition remains rooted at the Etihad, even after a season when his minutes fluctuated.
Lewis played 44 times across all competitions last year but often found himself behind Matheus Nunes — usually a midfielder — in the right-back rotation. He has spoken with Pep Guardiola about his place in the squad yet knows the responsibility lies with him. “Everyone wants security,” he said. “But it’s on me to prove myself. I played more last season than the year before, and the target stays the same — to establish myself.”
His manager showed faith at Wolves on Saturday, starting Lewis ahead of Nunes in a 4-0 win that featured two goals from Erling Haaland and debut strikes for Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.
That victory came with Lewis addressing speculation about his future. “I’ve never seen myself leaving,” he said. “Playing for City has always been my dream. When you’re on the pitch with players of this quality, it brings out the best in you. I couldn’t be happier.”
The defender also admitted last season’s missed title has left its mark on the dressing room. “We want to move forward, but it’s there in the back of our minds. Maybe it’s given us even more drive. We feel stronger together. There’s always hunger here, but maybe there’s extra hunger now.”
Forest did manage to prise away James McAtee in a £30m deal after targeting both him and Lewis. “I felt ready for a new challenge,” McAtee said after completing the move. “Forest had a really good year, and I want to add to that.”