Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is on the brink of joining Celtic on a season-long loan from Manchester City and he arrives in Glasgow with ringing endorsements from the very top.

The 19-year-old defender has earned high praise from City boss Pep Guardiola, who has tipped the England youth international as a player to watch in the years ahead. Guardiola spoke glowingly of Simpson-Pusey’s composure and quality following a rare start for the Premier League champions in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last season.

“The guy [Simpson-Pusey] played really good,” Guardiola said to One Football. “With this composure and duels and everything was good. It’s not easy for him. Normally the young lads must come in with support from the team… now he’s playing in a position that is difficult for him but he performed unbelievable.”

“We have a central defender to help us for the future, for the next years. I’m really pleased.”

Simpson-Pusey’s arrival at Celtic adds further depth to Brendan Rodgers’ defensive options, with the club clearly viewing the move as a low-risk, high-upside signing. Despite already having Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Dane Murray and Stephen Welsh available, the manager has remained open about strengthening at the back, with potential departures being weighed up.

The centre-half arrives with a strong pedigree, having captained City’s U21s to another Premier League 2 title last season while also being named the division’s Player of the Year. A full season in Scotland’s top flight should offer the perfect proving ground and if Guardiola’s words are anything to go by, Celtic could be landing a real gem.

Fans will reserve judgment until he’s taken to the pitch, though.