Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was back on the training pitch this morning despite his loan spell at Celtic appearing close to an early end.
The Telegraph report that Celtic are preparing to terminate the loan agreement ahead of schedule. That decision has opened the door for other clubs to move quickly this month.
Simpson-Pusey has been a peripheral figure since arriving on loan. He has trained regularly but has struggled to force his way into matchday plans.
His limited involvement has made an early exit feel unavoidable. The defender has played only twice in all competitions and has rarely looked close to further minutes.
Celtic’s wider situation has worked against him. Pressure on results has reduced the scope for development players, especially in defensive areas.
With the club needing short-term stability, there has been little room for patience. Simpson-Pusey has been left in a holding pattern as a result.
Köln were first reported as showing interest once his loan situation became uncertain. The Telegraph now say Strasbourg and Parma have also joined the chase as the January window opens.
English Championship clubs are also expected to enter the race once his loan at Celtic is formally ended. That level of interest shows he is still seen as a player with clear potential despite his lack of minutes.
Manchester City do not expect him to remain at the Etihad once the loan ends. Another temporary move is seen as the most likely next step.
Training at Lennoxtown this morning does not change the direction of travel. It simply underlines how the formal process has yet to be completed.
For Celtic, ending the loan early would close off a move that never fully took shape. It would also allow the club to focus on more immediate needs.
Soccer Football – UEFA Champions League – Play Off – Second Leg – Kairat v Celtic – Ortalyk Stadion, Almaty, Kazakhstan – August 26, 2025 Celtic’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev
The growing list of interested clubs suggests that opportunity may arrive soon. Once the loan is officially cut short, the next phase of his season is expected to move quickly.
Until then, he remains a Celtic player in name and training only. The signs all point toward his time on loan in Glasgow coming to a quiet conclusion.
