It’s become clear that Celtic are looking to do business with Benfica for midfielder Paulo Bernardo this summer but it seems there’s still a fair bit of negotiating before a deal is reached.
Bernardo played 33 times on loan at the Bhoys during the 2023/24 season with the highlight undoubtedly being a powerful finish to help beat Rangers 2-1 in December.
He was a useful squad option throughout the campaign and, still just 22, has the potential to improve under manager Brendan Rodgers.
It was reported by The Scottish Daily Mail earlier this week that Celtic are looking to pay a sum of around £3.5m for the Portuguese talent’s permanent transfer, despite a higher fee of £6m being included as an option in the loan deal struck for him last summer.
The latest reports from Portugal indicate that Benfica are looking to dig in on negotiations.
Benfica looking to maximise Bernardo fee
Newspaper Record reports on Thursday that Benfica are actually still waiting on formal talks with Celtic to begin and that they are not keen on deviating from the original price discussed last year.
Whether that’s public posturing or not, it’s apparent that this transfer is far from a done deal, especially if the Bhoys have yet to play their card with an offer.
It was said in various media reports earlier this week that Bernardo is eager for a return to Scotland and that Celtic are confident of getting it over the line, so it’s not one to give up on.
However, it’s unclear if the Scottish champions will be able to secure him at the bargain level they are hoping for.
Benfica do hold his contract until the summer of 2027 so understandably will be keen not to sell him on the cheap.
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