Celtic loan flop completes permanent transfer as club chief talks up 'good environment for young players'
German Bundesliga side FC Köln sign former Celtic loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City.
The summer transfer window is now in full flow with clubs across the country working on moves amidst the backdrop of the FIFA World Cup finals in North America.
Celtic supporters will hope their club can get down to business on the front after securing their head coach for the 2026/27 season. Martin O’Neill will remain with the Hoops next year after guiding them to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last campaign.
Meanwhile, there has already been transfer moves for some former Celtic players that have taken place. One defender, who had a particularly forgettable stint in Glasgow, has secured a move to the German Bundesliga with the club’s Managing Director praising them as an environment in which the youngster thrived after leaving Scotland.
Bundesliga outfit sign Man City defender who had forgettable Celtic loan spell last season
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has signed for 1. FC Köln in the German Bundesliga having spent the second half of last season on loan there. The 20-year old joined Celtic from Manchester City on loan last summer but that spell was cut short in January with the England youth international making just one appearance in green and white.
He was recalled by the English Premier League heavyweights and sent on loan to Germany where things were much better for him. He managed 11 appearances for Köln and did enough to earn himself a permanent transfer.
Speaking on his signing, Köln Managing Director Thomas Kessler said: “Since his move in January, Jahmai got adjusted to life here very quickly and took on the challenge at this level straight away. With his performances, he has shown what potential he has.
“That is why we are really pleased to have tied him down to FC for the long term. His development is another example that 1. FC Köln is a very good environment for young, talented players to take the next step in their career.”
Simpson-Pusey added: “I played a lot of minutes and the club put a lot of trust in me. I’m thankful for that and that’s why I wanted to stay in Köln. The game time, the fans, the club – that has all felt really good for me from my perspective.”
Manchester City kid’s Celtic loan failure opens door for move to German top flight
Manchester City recalled Simpson-Pusey from Celtic as they were said to be unhappy with his lack of game time. That’s obviously understandable given he only featured once for the first team in six months.
The decision to recall the England youth international and send him to Germany was clearly taken in mind to better further his development. Instead, it has resulted in a permanent transfer to the Bundesliga.
Celtic have had mixed fortunes with loan players in the past with the likes of Jason Denayer and Patrick Roberts, both also sent to Scotland from Man City, success stories who endeared themselves to the Parkhead faithful. Other players such as Daniel Arzani, yet another City loanee, will go down in the ‘flop’ category alongside Simpson-Pusey.