Centre-back is an area of need for Celtic. In fact, it has been for quite some time now. Since Carl Starfelt left in the summer of 2023, Cameron Carter-Vickers has not had a stable partner in the heart of defence. Liam Scales has come closest to that description but most believe that he is not good enough to be a regular starter for the Hoops.
Plenty of others have been brought in. Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki, Yuki Kobayashi and Nat Phillips were not successful in filling that void. Auston Trusty still has a chance to do so but he did not feel anybody with confidence with his debut campaign.
Naturally, Celtic are believed to be on the lookout for another centre-back, especially after Lagerbielke and Nawrocki have both left this summer. And it looks like they have made their move for a Premier League centre-back.
As reported by Football Insider, Celtic have submitted an offer for Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. Strasbourg have done the same. They are among multiple teams trying to sign the 19-year-old either permanently or on a loan basis. Pep Guardiola's side are yet to make a decision on what they want to do.
Celtic submit offer for Manchester City centre-back
So far, Simpson-Pusey has made six senior appearances for Manchester City with two of them coming in the Premier League. He has been an absolute standout at the youth level though.
Manchester City have the best academy system in arguably world football right now. Certainly in England. Simpson-Pusey captained the Citizens' youth side to their fourth Premier League 2 title while also being named the PL2 Player of the Year last season.
Of course, if Celtic are able to sign a talent of that calibre, it would have to be considered a major coup for them. In the past, we have seen the Hoops bring players on loan from Manchester City and them proving to be huge success stories. Remember Patrick Roberts?
It is very clear that other clubs are looking to sign Simpson-Pusey as well though. So, Celtic need to put their best foot forward.