What Manchester City’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey said in May should be uplifting for Celtic fans

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An interesting name has been thrown into Celtic’s transfer ring. 

Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has emerged as a target for Celtic, as Brendan Rodgers continues to look for reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.

Celtic have already added two new defensive players to their backline during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Kieran Tierney returned to the club after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer at the end of June, whilst Hayato Inamura arrived from Albirex Niigata in the J-League.

But, amid Celtic’s interest in Simpson-Pusey, they may well have a chance, given his comments back in May. 

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Jahmai Simpson-Pusey comments on first-team football amid Celtic links

Simpson-Pusey led Manchester City’s youth side to the Premier League 2 title last time out, including winning Player of the Year.

Given the 19-year-old’s achievements, he made it clear to BBC Sport that he, now, just wants to play ‘first team football.’ 

This should be music to the ears of the Celtic Park faithful because it’s highly unlikely he will earn regular starts under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City ahead of the new season.

But Simpson-Pusey did add that he is ‘definitely ready’ to move away from his current club to gain those senior minutes. 

“I feel like I’ve done what I’ve needed to do with the under-21s,” stated Simpson-Pusey in May.  “I just want to play first-team football.

On moving away from Man City: “I guess we’ll see [what happens]. That’s not on my mind yet. I’m definitely ready. I’ve not spoken to anyone about it. I’m sure some people will feel the same, especially after winning the league.”

How many times has Simpson-Pusey played for Manchester City?

For any player to get recognised by Guardiola is a compliment in itself, and Simpson-Pusey has had that privilege.

At the age of 19, and with the likes of John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Joško Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, and new January signing Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of him, the young Man City star still managed to earn minutes last term.

And, in total, he has been used six times by Manchester City.

• Two UEFA Champions League games, including 90 minutes away at Sporting Lisbon last season. 
• Two Premier League matches, including a start away at Brighton. 
• One FA Cup start
• 16 minutes in the EFL Cup