Paulo Bernardo Celtic ‘loan’ transfer option as Benfica midfielder emerges as target
The playmaker has been linked with a move to Parkhead previously
Paulo Bernardo has emerged as a potential Celtic loan transfer target this summer.
The 21-year-old midfielder is reportedly on the shortlist at Parkhead as they seek to recruit another central player as the end of the transfer window rolls around. Brendan Rodgers has been open about the club looking to bring in more than one new signing before the deadline but now the Benfica playmaker has been named by A Bola as an option for loan.
According to the report the youngster is not in manager Roger Schmidt’s plans for the campaign and could be permitted to leave on a season-long loan in a bid to secure minutes.
It comes as Luis Palma gets set to arrive from Aris in Greece while the search for new central defenders continues.
Rodgers is also looking towards a new goalkeeper but it is believed he will have to allow one of his current crop to leave the club. Another striking option is also on the list with Danish hitman Mathias Kvistgaarden the subject of a bid earlier this week.
Brondby rejected that initial approach.
Bernardo, meanwhile, has been linked with Celts previously back in June 2022.
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Paulo Bernardo in Celtic transfer ‘talks’ with Benfica switch under discussion for midfielder
Bernardo was linked to Celtic earlier this summer but now could join on loan as Roger Schmidt admits he’s not in his
With a deal for Luis Palma almost done, he could be joined at Celtic by another new signing with the club reportedly in talks over Paulo Bernardo.
The Benfica midfielder was linked to the Hoops earlier this summer. But now A Bola claim that the 21-year-old is discussing a potential loan move to the Scottish Premiership champions. Bernardo is not in manager Roger Schmidt’s plans and is seeking a temporary switch in order to get more game time. Brendan Rodgers is keen to add more quality to his squad before the window closes on Friday after a defeat to Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup and a goalless draw with St Johnstone.
A permanent move for Bernardo seems unlikely. He still has four years left on his deal at Estadio Da Luz, which is thought to include a release clause of €100m, which is miles above what Celtic could afford to shell out. But a season-long loan switch is being talked over with the Lisbon giants.
Bernardo made 13 Liga Portugal appearances for Benfica last season, scoring twice and providing two assists. He also played nine times for the club’s B team, but would prefer first team football elsewhere this term than continuing with the second string but having little prospect of being involved with the first team.
