The 20-year-old centre-back initially joined FC Köln on a six-month loan and quickly established himself as a reliable presence in defence, earning regular minutes and strong internal reviews from the coaching staff.
His performances during the second half of the season led the German club to move decisively to secure his future, with Köln confirming a permanent agreement that keeps him in the squad until 2030. Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler praised the defender’s rapid adaptation and mentality after stepping into senior football in Germany.
"Jahmai settled in very quickly after his move in the winter and immediately embraced the challenge at this level," Kessler said.
"With his performances he has shown the potential he has. We are therefore delighted that we can now tie him to the club long-term."
Kessler also highlighted Köln’s reputation for developing young talent, suggesting the environment played a key role in convincing the player to commit his future to the club.
"This is another example of 1. FC Köln being a very good environment for young, talented players to take the next step in their careers."
Simpson-Pusey himself also expressed satisfaction with his decision to remain in Cologne after gaining valuable first-team experience.
"I have been given a lot of playing time here and the club has shown a lot of trust in me. I am grateful for that and that is why I wanted to stay in Cologne.
"The playing time, the fans, the club – everything feels very good for me."
Negotiations between Köln and Manchester City reportedly centred around a reduced transfer fee compared to an earlier option clause. The Bundesliga club had initially been able to sign the defender for around €8 million, but discussions between the two clubs resulted in a lower final fee of approximately €5 million.
Manchester City are understood to have included a buy-back option as part of the agreement, ensuring they retain a level of control over the player’s future development. That structure reflects City’s wider strategy of developing young players through loan spells before reassessing their long-term potential.
For Köln, the deal represents both a sporting investment and a potential future financial opportunity, given the player’s age and development trajectory.
Simpson-Pusey’s performances in Germany have already attracted attention within scouting circles, and his long-term contract suggests the club believe his value could increase significantly over time. The defender leaves Manchester City permanently but with the Premier League champions maintaining a strategic link through the buy-back clause.
For Köln, the focus now turns to continuing his development as he transitions from loan success story to long-term defensive pillar in the Bundesliga side’s rebuild.