Jahmai Simpson-Pusey loan deal is sound strategically

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The Celtic Star

·29 de julio de 2025

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey loan deal is sound strategically

Celtic have entered talks with Manchester City to sign highly-rated centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on a season-long loan, according to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph. The 19-year-old has attracted interest from several English clubs, but City are currently only entertaining loan offers, with Celtic pushing ahead in negotiations.

Celtic FC coach Brendan Rodgers looks on before the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

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Celtic are in talks to sign Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. It’s understood the clubs are discussing terms on a season-long loan deal for the 19-year-old. A number of clubs in England are also keen on the player – with #MCFC only entertaining loan offers.

Celtic are in talks to sign Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. It’s understood the clubs are discussing terms on a season-long loan deal for the 19-year-old. A number of clubs in England are also keen on the player – with #MCFC only entertaining loan offers.
– martes, 29 de julio de 2025

The move represents a clear development from earlier reports of interest and indicates a strategic response by Celtic to a potentially precarious situation at the heart of their defence.

At first glance, the signing might raise eyebrows

At first glance, the signing might raise eyebrows given Celtic already have five centre-backs competing for just two starting positions: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Dane Murray, and Stephen Welsh. However, a closer look at the squad dynamics paints a more nuanced picture.

Stephen Welsh, defender of KV Mechelen controls the ball during the Jupiler Pro League match between KV Mechelen and KAA Gent on February 7, 2025 in Mechelen, Belgium, 07 02 2025 Mechelen. Photo Nico Vereecken

Stephen Welsh spent last season on loan at Belgian side Mechelen and is reportedly keen on a return. Dane Murray has shown significant promise during pre-season but has a worrying injury record that could yet impact his involvement. And crucially, Carter-Vickers – the cornerstone of Celtic’s defence – has had recurring injury issues that leave the right side of central defence exposed.

A key feature of how Rodgers wants to build from the back

While Murray, Welsh and Carter-Vickers cover the right side, Scales and Trusty are the primary left-sided options. Yet, neither has fully convinced Brendan Rodgers, particularly when it comes to progressing the ball from deep – a key feature of how Rodgers wants to build from the back. Simpson-Pusey, known for his calmness in possession and forward-thinking passing, fits that bill more naturally.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Salford City at Etihad Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Manchester. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Interestingly, while Rodgers tends to favour a left-footed centre-back on the left side of the defence, he is no stranger to deploying a right-footer there if the player offers the right qualities. Kris Ajer, who shares similar ball-carrying attributes to Simpson-Pusey, was used in that very role during Rodgers’ first spell at the club. It wouldn’t be a stretch to see the same logic applied here.

The loan nature of the deal may cause some unease among the Celtic support

The loan nature of the deal may cause some unease among the Celtic support, especially with growing wariness of acting as a finishing school for elite clubs. However, Simpson-Pusey isn’t just another City prospect destined to be sold for Profit and Sustainability Regulation balancing. He’s already made appearances under Pep Guardiola, who has publicly stated the young defender is “one for the future” at the Etihad.

Given Celtic’s ambitions this season – both domestically and in Europe – adding a player of Simpson-Pusey’s pedigree, even temporarily, could be a prudent move. Squad depth is essential, and with the injury histories of key personnel, there should be no shortage of opportunities for minutes.

Dane Murray of Celtic Ajax v Celtic, Como Cup Pre Season Football, Football, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como, Italy – 24 Jul 2025Como Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia Italy Photo Shutterstock (IMAGO)

It’s about plugging a gap with quality and ensuring flexibility and readiness

If Welsh departs and Murray’s reliability remains uncertain, Celtic are potentially only one Carter-Vickers knock away from a defensive crisis. Securing a player who can slot in on either side of central defence and bring quality on the ball is exactly the kind of forward-thinking planning Rodgers will want in place before the transfer window closes.

In short, this move is not about blocking the path of younger players or accumulating depth for the sake of it – it’s about plugging a gap with quality and ensuring flexibility and readiness across a demanding campaign.

Niall J

David Potter at the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, Celtic 2 Hearts 1, 25 may 2019. Photo The Celtic Star

Today we remember David Potter, who passed away two years ago today. We want to say thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered David’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books.

Celtic legend Danny McGrain has written a wonderful foreword for the book and we will have a limited number of copies available that will be signed by Danny McGrain – if you have already pre-ordered your copy of Celtic in the Eighties you will be getting a signed copy. If you would like to receive a signed copy by Danny McGrain please order now as the number of signed books will be limited.

David’s widow Rosemary has also written a ‘thank you message’ to the Celtic support for David’s last book. It’s a wonderful tribute to David from his wife on behalf of his entire family that extends right out to his Celtic family. That’s you, me and everyone else reading this or anyone who has Celtic in their hearts.

The link to pre-order your copy of Celtic in the Eighties, signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain is below. Celtic in the Eighties is a fitting way for David Potter to sign off as one of Celtic’s foremost historians. We think you’ll love it.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.