In the early part of the summer, Paulo Bernardo’s Celtic future was one of the most tangible transfer pursuits to follow.
Reports from Portugal indicated that he had made it clear he wanted a return to Glasgow while negotiations with Benfica were said to be in progress.
Over the last month, however, it all started to dry up.
Bernardo enjoyed a holiday after training with the Portugal squad before returning to pre-season training at Benfica.
Now, it seems that talks with the Portuguese side are again ongoing and there’s a renewed confidence that Celtic will land the deal they want.
The Daily Record reports that the Bhoys reckon the transfer move will go through, delivering one of Brendan Rodgers’ priorities in the current transfer window.
Celtic still finalising Paulo Bernardo fee
It’s said that while Benfica remain keen on pushing the permanent fee up to £6m, Celtic are confident of landing the midfield talent at closer to £4m – with add-ons included in the transfer.
Bernardo was a strong squad option for Rodgers last season, featuring 33 times in all competitions and popping up with some crucial contributions in big games, including against Rangers.
It makes sense to get him in the building again.
The kind of outlay being discussed is well within Celtic’s spending capabilities and Rodgers will feel he can continue to improve Bernardo.
Still just 22, he has his best years ahead of him and a new, settled home could be just the thing he needs to kick his career into another gear after years on the fringes at Benfica.
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