Celtic Weighing Up Ambitious Loan Move For This Manchester City Defender: A Move That Suits All Parties Involved | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting an ambitious season-long loan move for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. But they are not alone in the hunt, with several English Championship outfits, as well as Strasbourg from Ligue 1, also keen on securing the services of the young Manchester City centre-back.

The 19-year-old England youth international progressed through City’s esteemed academy ranks, as he captained their U18 side en route to conquering the FA Youth Cup last year. His composure in deep defence caught the eye of Pep Guardiola, who selected the teenage prodigy to travel with the first team for their pre-season trip ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. He was involved in their friendly outings against AC Milan and Celtic, and made six senior appearances following his professional debut in October.

Why The Youngster Should Explore The Opportunity

Despite being crowned PL2 Player of the Year, Simpson-Pusey would struggle for gametime in the blue half of Manchester. Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and the winter signing Abdukodir Khusanov are ahead of him in the pecking order for the central defensive slots, and a move to Celtic could help him develop his skills under Brendan Rodgers.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Manchester City and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP compete for the ball from a corner during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Hoops have bolstered the backline this summer by bringing Kieran Tierney back to Parkhead on a Bosman. The Scotsman has replaced Greg Taylor on the left. Also, Hayato Inamura, the other recruit, is expected to feature as a back-up centre-half or left fullback, having impressed so far in a hybrid role.

Why Celtic Are In The Hunt For Another Centre-back

However, the gaffer is open to the idea of sending the Japanese youngster on loan, and irrespective of his future in Glasgow, the Hoops must opt for reinforcements. They have sanctioned Maik Nawrocki’s loan to Hannover, whereas outcast Gustaf Lagerbielke has left for Braga on a permanent transfer. Back at his boyhood club after a spell in Belgium with  KV Mechelen, Stephen Welsh could be on the move again amid interest from Plymouth Argyle.

The Celts have Cameron Carter-Vickers, who drives the game from the back with his ball-playing ability and leadership traits. Auston Trusty and Liam Scales would challenge each other for the other spot, but a couple of injuries might derail them, considering their fixture congestion across domestic and European competitions.

The Man City prospect is comfortable with the ball, loves to carry it forward from deep down the pitch, and has demonstrated his sense of positioning and passing expertise. But he must attune to the physicality and aggression of the Scottish game if a transfer takes place in due time.