Celtic lead transfer chase for Manchester City defender | OneFootball

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are currently leading the chase for one of Manchester City’s in-demand defensive talents this summer.

The 19-year-old has been at the centre of growing transfer interest throughout the summer, with City yet to confirm whether the breakthrough star will remain in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign or continue his development on loan.

The Premier League 2 Player of the Season has already reportedly attracted bids from Strasbourg, while several English Championship clubs have also been monitoring his situation at the Etihad Stadium closely.

Simpson-Pusey enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 season, captaining Manchester City’s Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory and leading from the back in their UEFA Youth League campaign, while his progress was rewarded with inclusion in the club’s pre-season tour and outings against AC Milan and Celtic.

He then made his senior professional debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in October, and followed that with starts in both the UEFA Champions League and Premier League within a fortnight – away to Sporting CP and Brighton respectively.

After returning to City’s Elite Development Squad, the centre-back produced consistently outstanding performances to help secure the Premier League 2 title, culminating in being named the league’s Player of the Season – a historic achievement as the first defender to ever win the award.

Despite his success, Simpson-Pusey stated earlier this summer that he felt ready for senior football and was open to a loan. “I feel I’ve done what I’ve needed to with the U21s. I just want to play first-team football… I’m definitely ready,” he explained.

Now, according to the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Celtic are currently ahead of a number of Championship clubs in their efforts to sign Manchester City’s highly-rated central defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey this summer.

It is claimed that the Scottish Premiership giants are hoping to tempt the 19-year-old away from the Etihad Stadium for the duration of the forthcoming season with talks ongoing over a loan deal.

A move to Celtic would offer Simpson-Pusey valuable first-team experience at a club competing in Europe, alongside the pressure of title expectations in the Scottish Premiership. Such a setting could provide ideal preparation for a future return to City’s senior setup.

This latest development also follows a wave of recent updates around City’s next generation of central defenders. Max Alleyne is currently in contract renewal talks before a likely first loan move, while Callum Doyle is looking to complete a permanent exit with City valuing him at £10 million.

Simpson-Pusey’s situation, while different, continues to evolve, with interest from multiple clubs and clues on social media – including a recent Instagram wipe – adding fuel to speculation.

City will remain in control of the process, with a focus on ensuring the teenager lands in the right environment to continue his upward trajectory. While Celtic lead the race at present, the final decision may hinge on promises of minutes, European involvement, and the player’s own long-term ambitions.