Celtic 'on the verge' of signing highly-rated Man City youngster | OneFootball

Celtic are on the verge of completing a season-long loan move for Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, as the Scottish champions continue to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Several sources, including the Daily Record, say that Pep Guardiola's has green-lit the teenager's move with an announcement in the coming days.

The 19-year-old centre-back is highly regarded at the Etihad and made six first-team appearances last season, including a start in the Champions League and a cameo in the Premier League.

Despite his growing reputation, Manchester City have opted to send Simpson-Pusey on loan to ensure regular senior football, with Celtic winning the race for his signature amid competition from Strasbourg and several English Championship clubs. The agreement does not include an option to buy, underlining City’s long-term belief in the England youth international’s potential.

The move is seen as a significant coup for Brendan Rodgers, who is looking to rebuild his defensive options following the exits of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki earlier in the summer. Rodgers had hinted recently that transfer news was imminent, and Simpson-Pusey is expected to be the club’s eighth addition of the window.

Simpson-Pusey has been a standout performer in Manchester City’s youth system, captaining the U21s to the Premier League 2 title and earning Player of the Season honours. He has also won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League with the club, and has represented England at U18 level. Pep Guardiola is said to have been impressed with the youngster’s composure and defensive intelligence, describing him as “unbelievable” after his Champions League debut.

Celtic’s ability to offer European football and a platform for young players to develop was believed to be a key factor in securing the deal. The club has already added Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand, and Japanese duo Shin Yamada and Yoshiki Inamura to the squad this summer.

Simpson-Pusey joined Manchester City’s academy at the age of eight and has steadily risen through the ranks. Although City are confident in his future at the club, they see this loan as a valuable opportunity for the defender to gain top-level experience. Celtic fans will hope he can quickly settle into Rodgers’ system and contribute to their domestic and European ambitions.

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