Celtic have reportedly re started talks with Benfica over a permanent move for Paulo Bernardo.
The Portuguese under 21 skipper enjoyed a decent season with the Hoops, and despite not playing as much as he wanted too, he made quite an impression, especially in the big games, notably against theRangers.
His goal in the festive Glasgow derby proved to be crucial, and he was instrumental in Adam Idah’s winning goal in the Scottish Cup final. He has the ability to succeed at the club, that’s not in doubt.
Salary demands by the player were reportedly the cause of the breakdown in recent talks, but that seems to have been wide of the mark or is now not a deal breaker considering the two parties are back round the table.
The fee could have been the cause of the rift between the two clubs, with Benfica initially wanting £6 million, but Celtic only willing to pay £4 million.
Hopefully an agreement can be thrashed out and a deal can be concluded as soon as possible.
Paulo is a player of great potential, and one who can have a great future at the club, and one that Brendan Rodgers wants back at the club.
The Celtic manager hinted that new signings were coming ahead of the trip to the USA next week and would undoubtedly like to see Bernardo, Adam Idah and a new first choice goalkeeper joining up with the Celtic party travelling to the States or maybe joining up with the squad Stateside.
Having a look around the Norwich forums and fan media sites, there appears to be a feeling that there’s no point in keeping Idah if he doesn’t want to be there and that they should take the money from Celtic so that they can bring in a new striker from the their new Danish manager Johannes Hoff Thorup’s list of targets.
There’s no doubt that Celtic signing Bernardo, Idah and a new keeper will cheer everyone up and stem the flow of growing frustration. But those three should only be the start of the summer spending, although should Celtic part with the cash this week the Board will no doubt retreat to dark rooms for the rest of the window to recover and come to terms with the reduction in the PLC bank balance.
And of course to plot the sale of Matt O’Riley.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Sadly I think you will be proven correct should we sign Idah, Bernardo and a keeper… I expect thereafter it will be a free agent and a loan signing if the board are true to form.
2x players that the manager wants, that the fans want, and who want to come and play here, for what are reasonable prices, and both with strong potential for resale profits. I can’t see what the struggle is on these prices. Especially with our allegedly strong financial health. It seems that the better off we are, the more cautious and frugal we get. It’s infuriating. Seal these deals!