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Manchester City have repositioned Jahmai Simpson-Pusey away from the Etihad Stadium for the second-half of the ongoing season, with FC Cologne set to sign the 20-year-old centre-back on loan following the termination of his original agreement with Celtic for the current campaign.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey Joins FC Cologne on Loan With Purchase Option After Manchester City Recall
According to Sky Germany, FC Cologne are set to complete the signing of Simpson-Pusey on a loan deal running until the end of the ongoing season. The move brings clarity to a situation that has been developing for several weeks, following a difficult and ultimately curtailed loan spell in Scotland with Celtic where the defender received limited opportunities.
City officials had already signalled their intention to intervene in January, with Simpson-Pusey identified as one of several young defenders whose development pathway required immediate adjustment. The recall formed part of a broader review, which has also seen movement around other young defenders and loan placements across Europe as the club seeks to optimise playing time for their academy graduates.
The Bundesliga side will hold a purchase option in their loan agreement for the 20-year-old defender, who will undergo a medical examination in Cologne on Sunday. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City value Simpson-Pusey at £10 million, while Cologne’s purchase option stands at around £5 million. City have protected themselves by including a buy-back clause in the arrangement, ensuring they retain future control over the player’s career.
From the player’s perspective, securing regular first-team football has been the overriding priority, and City staff have worked closely with Simpson-Pusey and his representatives to identify a destination that offers both competitive exposure and a clear sporting project. For Cologne, the move represents an opportunity to add a young, physical centre-back with Premier League pedigree to their squad for the second half of the season.
The structure of the deal underlines City’s continued belief in Simpson-Pusey’s long-term potential while allowing him to gain valuable experience in Germany’s top flight. Regular minutes in the Bundesliga could prove pivotal in reigniting the defender’s momentum after his unsuccessful spell at Celtic, with attention now turning to how quickly he can integrate into his new surroundings and place himself back into Manchester City’s longer-term defensive planning.
