Celtic are actively pursuing a deal for Paulo Bernardo following his loan spell at the club from Benfica last term.
The Portugal Under-21 international has a buyout clause sitting at around £6 million, which is thought to have been reduced to around the £3.5 million mark.
Salary concerns surrounding Bernardo have been highlighted by reports in his homeland; however, it is unclear how true these suggestions are amid his ongoing situation.
Benfica also look to be on the verge of signing midfielder Leandro Barreiro from Mainz on a free transfer, potentially pushing the Almada-born man further down the pecking order in Lisbon.
Bernardo’s future is still up in the air as it stands; however, there is still hope at Celtic that he can return to the club this window.
Paulo Bernardo’s waiting game and pre-season reality
According to Record, Bernardo is ‘waiting’ on Celtic and Benfica to agree on a settlement that will see him move back to Parkhead this summer.
Intriguingly, this lines up with previous claims from elsewhere indicating that he is keen to call Glasgow his full-time home. Last campaign, he scored four times in 33 appearances across all competitions, bolstering depth in Brendan Rodgers’ engine room.
Furthermore, a post on Benfica’s official Instagram page has shown the 22-year-old being put through his paces in pre-season.
Some of you may be panicking at the sight, but don’t worry too much; this is standard practice, as he is now back at the club. The report mentions that several Benfica players have returned to training from loan spells elsewhere.
Celtic fans are waiting for the chips to fall in the transfer market. News of the reigning Scottish Premiership champions making an approach for Adam Idah could signal that plates are starting to spin.
Hold on to your hats; the window may finally begin to pick up as the Bhoys edge closer to defending their league crown.
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