Jahmai Simpson-Pusey reveals decision on Manchester City future amid first-team breakthrough

Manchester City’s latest breakthrough talent within their first-team set-up, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has revealed a decision was made on his future during the summer.

The teenager was included in Manchester City’s pre-season tour squad of the United States over the summer months in a clear sign of his development undertaken throughout the club’s age groups.

Despite not featuring too heavily during the tour, Simpson-Pusey maintained his status as being earmarked for first-team involvement throughout the ongoing season, and injuries to core players have sped up his own development path under Pep Guardiola.

The absences of John Stones and Ruben Dias in particular this week saw Simpson-Pusey make his first senior start for Manchester City as he stood alongside Manuel Akanji in the centre of defence against Sporting in the UEFA Champions League.

It was the ultimate crowning moment for a decision taken by the teenager during the summer transfer window to stay at the Etihad Stadium, despite approaches from Football League clubs throughout the market.

Speaking exclusively to Manchester World’s Michael Plant during a recent interview, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey explained the reasons why he turned down the opportunity of a loan move into the EFL in favour of remaining at Manchester City this season.

“I feel like because I’m training over there (with the first-team squad) and being around the best and having the best manager in the world coach you, this (staying at the club) was the best thing to do,” the 19-year-old explained.

He continued, “Going out will give you experience, but not the experience you would get from staying here. It just shows the levels from playing against players my age and playing against the best striker in the world.

“It shows if I get a chance to play (regularly) in the Premier League or any of the big leagues, those are the type of levels you are going to come up against. You have to be able to deal with it.”

Focussing on the experience of working under Pep Guardiola, Simpson-Pusey revealed, “When he speaks I just listen. There’s nothing else to do. I just feel like I have to listen because he’s the best manager in the world. It’s great to be in and around.”

Manchester World’s report also quotes a source who shines light on Jahmai Simpson-Pusey behind-the-scenes, as they explained, “He’s a really unphased kid. You’d think nothing exciting is happening in his life.”

It remains to be seen how many more first-team opportunities Jahmai Simpson-Pusey will garner over the course of the remainder of the season, however having the faith of Pep Guardiola is an excellent step in the right direction for the youngster.