Man City to recall Jahmai Simpson-Pusey after disappointing Celtic loan

Manchester City will recall Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Celtic this month, with German club Cologne among several clubs who want him for the second half of the season. 

Simpson-Pusey, 20, was a regular in Pep Guardiola’s match-day squad last season and made six senior appearances, including three starts, before he was loaned to the Scottish champions for regular game time. 

But the England Under-20 centre-back has not broken into the first team at Parkhead and will head back to City before his next move is decided, with the defender set to be one of the most sought-after loans in January. 

Cologne, 11th in the Bundesliga, are interested in adding Simpson-Pusey to their back line for the second half of the season. French club Strasbourg are also monitoring his situation and have enjoyed success in the English market after signing Julio Enciso, Martial Godo and Ben Chilwell from the Premier League. Parma in Italy have also registered an interest. 

Championship clubs are also set to approach City over a move for Simpson-Pusey. Last summer, Swansea City and Derby County made bids before a move to Celtic was agreed. 

Guardiola praised Simpson-Pusey last season for his performances at centre-back, highlighting his composure and ability to win duels. 

Jack Grealish and Vitor Reis are among the City players who are out on loan at the moment. Sverre Nypan, Claudio Echeverri, Divin Mubama and Max Alleyne are some of the highly rated young players who have been allowed out. Guardiola tends to work with a small squad and not use the January market, although last season had to sign Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Nico González and Reis.

“Always the club took the decisions which I supported 100 per cent,” Guardiola said. “When it is going bad I look at myself and the team and what we can do better. It’s always that. 

“At that moment last season, with four Premier Leagues in a row and still have energy and players, and after what happened happened, sometimes you cannot anticipate the situation.”