Mark Wilson on Paulo Bernardo’s potential changing role if Celtic land target this window

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Celtic’s pursuit of Paulo Bernardo is dragging out as the Bhoys look to get a deal done to bring him back to Parkhead permanently.

Brendan Rodgers’ men are in ongoing talks with Benfica, and latest reports conclude that the Bhoys are confident of sealing a deal worth £4 million plus add-ons for the Portugal Under-21 international.

The Irishman has confirmed he would like to have a ‘couple’ of new faces by the time Celtic head to the United States for their pre-season tour next week.

Nevertheless, no new players have been unveiled at Parkhead. Time is ticking, and supporters are growing impatient over the lack of action.

By all accounts, it does appear likely that Bernardo will join Celtic this summer, but no deal is done until the ink is dry. Matt O’Riley is being targeted by Atalanta, Leicester City and Southampton, amplifying the need for bodies in the engine room.

Mark Wilson on Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo pursuit and implications

Naturally, some have floated the idea of Bernardo taking O’Riley’s mantle should one enter and the other exit at Parkhead, something Mark Wilson was asked about on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard.

Replying to the suggestion, he stated: “I’d find it hard for him to replicate the season O’Riley’s had; I thought that was an extraordinary season from Matt O’Riley, especially when you factor in it was a change of manager as well.

“Brendan Rodgers coming in, different ideas. O’Riley seemed to flourish; he played well under Ange Postecoglou, but he seemed to flourish under Rodgers. He got into the box more frequently, but the argument would be, could Brendan Rodgers then put his ideas onto Bernardo?

“He seems to have the same make-up, but with O’Riley there’s something special with him in possession. I think Bernardo has a good bit to go to get to that level, and that’s why you’re seeing bids of £15 million rejected; that’s why Bernardo might come to Celtic for around about £4 million.

“There’s a huge gap in transfer value between them. I think there’s still a big gap in terms of ability between them, but he might just be a replacement, who knows.”

Celtic need to push Paulo Bernardo deal over the line

Whether O’Riley and Bernardo are like-for-like is up for debate. I think it would take a lot to replace a man who registered 37 goal contributions last term. However, the Benfica man would certainly help to curb concerns surrounding the lack of transfer activity at Parkhead.

Put simply, the wait for new arrivals has gone on long enough. Supporters need some inspiration to continue the feelgood factor in Glasgow’s east end from last season, something the club can’t afford to fritter away by dragging transfer dealings out for weeks on end.

Granted, there are no easy deals in football, but with less than three weeks until the Scottish Premiership campaign begins, a bit of urgency wouldn’t go amiss.

Hopefully, Celtic can announce Bernardo sooner rather than later. You get the feeling there would be plenty more to come from the Almada-born man at Parkhead.