Pep wasted 5 years on Mendy and continued playing him till 2021/2022 season, till police arrested him.
So that doesn't prove any point, yep he can also waste 5 years on Rico, but what's the reality ? He looks like 5 years old kid, playing with professionals.
Zinchenko was nearly his age in 18/19, even in 17/18 and played at a very high level compared to this, but I don't remember posters here defending Zinchenko or asking for some time.
With Zinchenko it was easier. He had skills that were visible. Like excellent first touch, ability to deliver long balls, very comfortable dribbling, short passes as well, etc.
What's Rico good at ?
Defends well ? no
Attacks well ? no
Contributes in midfield well ? no
Just ask yourselves, would he be picked as a starter or even a regular player by any PL team (and please name the position where they would play him :D) ? The answer is no.
PS Some people here have some kind of unrealistic / illusionary world built. I remember I was posting realistic evaluation of Sterling back in 19/20 and stating that he wasn't the player to be our n1 attacker and got banned because of these people :D. A year after that he became like bench player and 2 years later he was sold. Now no one remembers who the fuck Raheem Sterling is, even those posters here, who were defending him like only Raheem's mother would defend him. Same happens to Rico here, mark my words, in 1 or 2 seasons he will be playing for Championship team.