Jahmai Simpson-Pusey loan – opinions split among supporters

Some fans express understandable hesitation about developing another club’s prospect, particularly for just one season – and there’s certainly merit in that.

But when Pep Guardiola himself hails a player as “unbelievable” and “the future” of Manchester City’s defence, the equation begins to shift.

Simpson-Pusey, just 19 years old, has already made his senior debut for City, starting in both a UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. And after a 2-1 defeat against Brighton, Guardiola’s post-match comments as per One Football focused not on the result, but on the performance of his young defender.

“The guy played really good, the young lad again, with this composure and duels and everything was good,” Guardiola said. “Now he’s playing in a position that is difficult for him but he performed unbelievable. We have a central defender to help us for the future, for the next years. I’m really pleased.”

That’s no small praise from one of the most meticulous and demanding managers in world football. Guardiola simply doesn’t hand out plaudits lightly — and in a squad packed with elite international talent, Simpson-Pusey’s emergence, even amid an injury crisis, had clearly caught his manager’s eye.

From a Celtic perspective, there’s a legitimate case for embracing this potential loan

From a Celtic perspective, there’s a legitimate case for embracing this potential loan with enthusiasm rather than reservation. Yes, the player might only be here for a year. And yes, we’ve seen talented loanees develop before returning to their parent clubs. But rarely do we get the opportunity to bring in a player who Guardiola rates as a future Etihad regular — someone City fans are perhaps already earmarking as a successor to their senior defenders.

And let’s be honest about this, under Celtic’s current model, players who perform at a high level for a season or so are often sold on anyway. If Simpson-Pusey delivers the standard of performance he’s shown glimpses of in England, the club will benefit on the pitch just the same. Perhaps even more so. In that sense, it’s not so different from signing a young player outright, developing him, and watching him depart after 12 months.

There’s something to be said for enjoying the moment

More importantly, there’s something to be said for enjoying the moment. If Simpson-Pusey does sign, Celtic fans will have the chance to watch a potential future England international, a possible Premier League star, wearing the Hoops. That doesn’t come around often these days that’s for sure, and it’s worth embracing.

If this deal goes through, it won’t be a long-term solution to our defensive needs. But it could be a brilliant short-term boost, a player who lifts standards and gives us a glimpse of elite potential up close. Sometimes, that’s enough, isn’t it?

Today we remember David Potter, who passed away two years ago today. We want to say thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered David’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books.

Celtic legend Danny McGrain has written a wonderful foreword for the book and we will have a limited number of copies available that will be signed by Danny McGrain – if you have already pre-ordered your copy of Celtic in the Eighties you will be getting a signed copy. If you would like to receive a signed copy by Danny McGrain please order now as the number of signed books will be limited. 

David’s widow Rosemary has also written a ‘thank you message’ to the Celtic support for David’s last book. It’s a wonderful tribute to David from his wife on behalf of his entire family that extends right out to his Celtic family. That’s you, me and everyone else reading this or anyone who has Celtic in their hearts.

The link to pre-order your copy of Celtic in the Eighties, signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain is below. Celtic in the Eighties is a fitting way for David Potter to sign off as one of Celtic’s foremost historians. We think you’ll love it.