Pat Bonner makes it clear what he thinks of Paulo Bernardo and David Turnbull amid Celtic transfer talk

Add as preferred source on Google

You could argue that Celtic need strength in depth across the pitch ahead of the January transfer window opening.

Brendan Rodgers has been pretty vocal about wanting new faces through the doors and he should get what he put on his wishlist for Christmas.

You would imagine one area of the pitch that is going to be refreshed at Celtic is the middle of the park.

That’s something Pat Bonner would like to see and he thinks, alongside a number nine, another midfielder is needed next month, as he told BBC Sportsound (26/12/23 at 2:35 pm).

The Bhoys legend feels that Paulo Bernardo, who scored during Celtic’s 3-0 win at Dundee on Boxing Day, and David Turnbull just don’t cut the mustard.

Of course, it needs to be noted that Pat Bonner’s comments came before Paulo Bernardo, who is on loan at Parkhead from Benfica with an option to buy, scored against Dundee yesterday.

In truth, given how strongly he feels about it, one goal from the 21-year-old isn’t going to change his mind.

Celtic midfield January transfer window

“I think they probably need another midfielder,” said Bonner. “They probably need to get players out also.

“I think that centre midfield. If Hatate, if something happens to him. If they sell him or he’s injured, then they have got to replace him. They haven’t replaced him now because he is injured. I think that’s a problem.

“Bernardo doesn’t fit it, for me. I don’t think David Turnbull has done enough to be in the team every week. He has his chances but now isn’t getting enough games. But I think he is a different type of player, from that perspective.”

Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate

As a starting middle three, not many Celtic fans will have an issue with it, the only problem is not being able to play it on a weekly basis.

Injuries have played their part, alongside the fact that the drop, when there is a change, is pretty significant, so in that sense, serious quality needs to be brought in to challenge.

Then there is the transfer noise around Matt O’Riley. Thankfully, he recently signed a new contract, so the club are protected.

Look, it would be a shock if he was sold in January, it’s just not going to happen. But you can’t rule out anything in the summer.

That’s why it’s paramount that the next set of midfield players walking through the doors hit the brief straightaway.