Celtic have signed young Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a season-long loan. The 19 year old will move to the Scottish Champions in the hopes of building on a season that saw him make his professional debut.
✍️ We are delighted to confirm that Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has joined #CelticFC on loan until the end of the season from Manchester City 💚
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 5, 2025
Welcome to Celtic, Jahmai!#WelcomeJahmai | #CelticFC🍀
Who is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
Simpson-Pusey is a 19 year old central defender who was named the Premier League 2 Player of the Season last year as Manchester City’s under-21s reclaimed their title from Tottenham’s under-21s. Simpson-Pusey made headlines for his appearances for the first team last season during an injury crisis in October and November. He made his professional debut off the bench in a 2-1 loss against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, before featuring for the entire 90 in the Champions League against Sporting just five days later in a 4-1 loss. While he struggled against Victor Gyökeres, who was arguably the most in-form striker in the world at the time, Simpson-Pusey was trusted again against Brighton just four days, another poor result as City lost 2-1. While it was clear from these games that Simpson-Pusey was not quite ready to fill in for City’s first team, the fact that he was trusted in the role by Pep Guardiola speaks to his potential.
Why Celtic?
Celtic will be seen as the perfect move for the young defender by the Manchester City hierarchy. Manager Brendan Rodgers is liked by the higher-ups, and has even been put forward as a potential Guardiola successor in the past. His style of football will lend very well to the development of a young defender hoping to one day break into the ranks of City’s defence. Furthermore, with Celtic favourites to win yet another Scottish League title, learning what it is like to be in a senior title-winning squad will surely be a positive experience for the player.
Conclusion
Simpson-Pusey was largely thrown into the deep end last season during his appearances for the first team, played out of necessity rather than because he was ready. In those appearances, however, he did show signs that he could one day be an important player for Manchester City. Additionally, City have an abundance of centre-backs at the moment, with six in the squad even after the loan move of Vitor Reis. The 19 year old will be hopeful that a year from now he will return to a City team with space for him in the squad, and that his displays for Celtic will have earned him enough credit to be afforded a chance to prove himself.
