Manchester City turned down three loan bids for highly-rated teenage centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey during the January transfer window, opting to keep him at the Etihad for the remainder of the season.
With injuries hitting City’s defense hard, Pep Guardiola has leaned on Simpson-Pusey as cover, handing him a Champions League start against Sporting CP and integrating him into the first-team squad.
Despite his growing role, Spanish clubs Real Zaragoza and Rayo Vallecano, along with Sheffield Wednesday, made attempts to sign him on loan. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, City refused to green-light any move, recognizing his importance in Guardiola’s plans.
The 19-year-old academy graduate has already made 19 appearances across all competitions this season, including in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Guardiola has openly praised the youngster, even considering him for a Manchester derby start in December. He recently recovered from a minor injury setback and is back in training, making him available for City’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Leyton Orient.
For now, City’s future defensive plans include Simpson-Pusey, and with Guardiola keeping him close, his development at the Etihad looks set to continue.
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