Jahmai Simpson-Pusey: Who is the Manchester City-owned defender at Cologne?

Following a glittering youth career in Manchester City’s esteemed academy, and a brief spell in Scotland with Celtic, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is Bundesliga-bound after joining Cologne on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season. Find out more on the English youngster below...

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

Age: 20 (born 4 November 2005)
Club: Cologne (on loan from Manchester City)
Position: Centre-back
Country: England (three youth caps)

Key stats

Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Simpson-Pusey was on the radar of several Premier League sides before ultimately joining Manchester City at the age of eight.

"I was in between teams. Everton, Man United, Man City... I was at City and I didn’t like it at the start," he admitted to MEN. "I went to United and I liked it at United because all they did was play mini games and it wasn’t really like proper training.

"But my mum got advice from those who have been in football and asked what would benefit me more, and they said to go to City because they did proper training sessions to help the player technically and individually. So I ended up signing for City a year after joining."

Choosing City soon paid dividends, as a decade later, he led the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory. An England U18s call-up was the reward for Simpson-Pusey, who played three times for the Young Lions in 2023.

Watch: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey joins up with Cologne

By the end of 2024, his form at youth level caught the attention of City boss Pep Guardiola, who handed the young centre-back his professional debut in a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup. Just six days later, he started his first game for City in the UEFA Champions League against Sporting, although once more, he was on the losing side in a bruising 4-1 loss.

After an outstanding campaign for City’s U21 side, Simpson-Pusey moved on loan to Celtic earlier this season. However, having made just one league appearance for the club, his loan was cut short earlier this month – presenting a great opportunity for Cologne to swoop.

About the players

22

Jahmai

Simpson-Pusey

1. FC Köln

Plays a bit like: John Stones

A commanding, ball-playing centre-back with City academy DNA, Simpson-Pusey blends calm, progressive passing with defensive authority - a style often likened to a young John Stones.

Like the England international, he has a penchant for stepping into midfield with the ball at his feet, often gliding past attackers with ease as he does so. The comparisons don’t end there either, as the pair both hail from Yorkshire, and are virtually the same height.

Did you know?

In 2024/25, Simpson-Pusey became the first defender to win the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award, after guiding Manchester City to the Premier League 2 title as captain. 

Simpson-Pusey is a natural leader from the back. - Imago

What they’re saying

“Jahmai is a talented player who, despite his young age, already has experience at the highest level. He enjoyed his footballing education at one of the world’s best clubs and is excellent on the ball. With his signing, we have secured an option at the centre-back position and the necessary depth at that position. Jahmai brings a high level of motivation and a real desire to the club, which will have a positive influence on the competition for places.” - Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler

“The move to Köln is a fresh start for me, and one I’m really looking forward to. As I looked into FC and the history around the club, I wanted to get started right away. Now I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates – and Hennes, when I get back to Köln. I want to play as much as possible here and help FC to reach their goals this season.” - Simpson-Pusey on his move to Cologne

About the clubs

1. FC Köln

RheinEnergieSTADION