Manchester City are currently working on reducing the size of Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The legendary coach made it clear that he did not want to work with a large group this season, with James McAtee expected to leave Man City over the coming weeks, and other senior stars such as Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips will follow.
The easiest way for City to achieve their goal is by loaning out the younger members of Guardiola’s squad, with Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis two names that could depart before the transfer window shuts.
Two loan deals are currently being worked on by the Premier League club, with a player the Man City boss is a fan of very close to joining Celtic for the upcoming season.
Celtic closing in on Jahmai Simpson-Pusey loan deal
It was reported on Tuesday that Celtic were leading the race for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, with several Championship clubs also monitoring the defender’s situation in Manchester.
According to Manchester Evening News, the 19-year-old has chosen to join the Scottish champions on loan for the upcoming season, with the centre-back entering the final stages of the deal.
Having played in some big games for City last season, this is a great move for the youngster, as he will get to work with a very good tactician in Brendan Rodgers and compete in several Champions League matches over the coming months.
Guardiola has high hopes for Simpson-Pusey, which he made clear after the defender featured against Sporting CP last season.
The legendary coach stated after the match: “The young lad [Simpson-Pusey] played incredible. Rico as well. When you play a lot of games, you can’t play with the same line-up or the same back-four.”
Simpson-Pusey will hope to take full advantage of the minutes he will receive in Scotland, as the Englishman will have an eye on breaking into Man City’s squad next season.
Watford in talks to sign Max Alleyne on loan
Simpson-Pusey is not the only Man City youngster closing in on a loan move, but his defensive partner for the Premier League giants’ U21s, Max Alleyne, is also in talks over joining Watford for the 25/26 campaign.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Championship side are currently negotiating with Man City to sign the defender on loan, who will join the English club once he signs a new deal with the Premier League giants.
This is another important move for one of Man City’s young players, as the Premier League outfit hold the centre-back duo in high regard.
Several defenders could leave the Etihad Stadium next summer, such as John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake; therefore, there could be a spot in Guardiola’s squad if the youngsters impress over the next 12 months.
