Celtic are set to bolster their defensive ranks with the loan signing of promising centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the 20-year-old defender will join the Parkhead side on a temporary deal for the 2025/26 season.
Simpson-Pusey, who is highly rated within the City ranks, is currently in Glasgow undergoing a medical ahead of the move being officially announced. The season-long loan marks a significant step in the young defender’s career, and Celtic fans can look forward to a dynamic new addition to their backline.
Brendan Rodgers: “He’s a Very Gifted Young Player”
Speaking to the media, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers expressed his excitement about the deal, highlighting the qualities Simpson-Pusey will bring to the Scottish champions.
“He’s a very gifted young player,” Rodgers said. “He has come through the system at Manchester City, his profile fits very much what we want from our centre halves.”
Rodgers praised the defender’s pace, dominance, and composure on the ball—qualities essential to the demands of Celtic’s style of play.
“He’s quick, he’s dominant, he’s a good defender, and of course, at Celtic your centre-backs need to be able to progress the ball and that’s a big strength of his.”
A Key Addition to Celtic’s Defensive Options
The move provides Rodgers with greater depth in central defence, a position that demands consistent quality due to the high number of fixtures across domestic and European competitions.
“We’ve taken him on loan for a year. We always need all our centre-backs at Celtic. You play so many games, so many intense games and he will join our squad,” Rodgers added.
While Simpson-Pusey may be slightly behind in terms of pre-season minutes, Rodgers is confident that the young Englishman will settle quickly into the squad.
“He is obviously a little bit behind because he hasn’t played so many games over the course of pre-season but we have brought him through for the rest of the season and hopefully we can close that one out today.”
Who Is Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is a product of Manchester City’s renowned academy and has been tipped for a bright future. Known for his ball-playing abilities, physical presence, and strong defensive instincts, his arrival could prove vital for Celtic’s ambitions both in the Premiership and on the European stage.
What This Means for Celtic
Simpson-Pusey’s arrival reflects Celtic’s ongoing strategy of developing young, high-potential players alongside established talent. As the club prepares for another demanding season, his addition will provide crucial depth and competition in the heart of defence.
With the medical underway and the deal close to completion, Celtic fans can expect an official announcement soon—and another exciting talent in green and white.
