Paulo Bernardo has officially signed for Celtic on a season-long loan deal, with the Bhoys holding the option to make the midfielder’s move permanent.
The 21-year-old arrives from Benfica, where he’s come through their world-renowned academy and made senior first-team appearances.
He’s played 23 times in total for the Portuguese giants, also spending time out on loan with Pacos de Ferreira. And if his first goal for the Bhoys is as good as his first for his former loan side, Celtic fans will be very happy indeed.
Bernardo scored what can only be described as an absolute stunner to open his account with Pacos de Ferreira against Casa Pia in March. A top-corner volley from 25 yards? We’ll have a bit of that. You can see the goal via the VSPORTS social media account, or embedded in this article below.
You may also notice the stadium he scored it in – none other than Estadio Nacional, the scene of the Bhoys’ greatest-ever triumph in 1967.
Bernardo scored two and assisted two in 13 appearances with Pacos and in his first interview as a Celtic player indicated he is eager to make an attacking impact in matches over here.
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The new signing said [Celtic FC]: “I’m more of an attacking midfielder and I like to be near the area to score goals and make great passes. The manager explained to me a little bit about Celtic and he asked me if I’m ready to be part of the team. It was really nice and I’m ready.
“I’m very excited to be here. It’s a great club and I’m ready to be on the pitch and to help the team. I always grew up with Celtic in the big competitions in the Champions League and most of the time as champions here in Scotland. I have always seen Celtic as a big and a great club.
“The Champions League is a great competition and I’m ready for it. Our ambition is to be champions and perform very well in the group stages of the Champions League and go as far as we can.”
Everyone is eager to see what he can offer and although he hasn’t had much training time, a cameo off the bench against Rangers on Sunday would be nice if things are going well. If not, we’ll definitely get our first experience of him shortly after the upcoming international break.
In other news, Sydney van Hooijdonk option closed off after Celtic interest.