Celtic are reportedly in negotiations with Benfica over the permanent signing of Paulo Bernardo. The 22-year old arrived from the Portuguese side on a loan deal with an option to buy; however, there was some uncertainty whether this would be activated.
Now, Portuguese outlet A Bola have stated that the teams are in discussions over a deal for the U21 Internationalist. It is stated that Celtic are keen on a deal but not willing to meet the £6m ‘guide price.’ The loan deal stipulated that Celtic could be able to adjust the fee if they sought to.
The midfielder made 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times and assisting on three occasions. Despite not having the prolific numbers of colleague O’Riley, there were flashes throughout the season of what Bernardo can become under the tutelage of Brendan. Rodgers will be hoping that he can bring both Bernardo and another loan star back to Paradise.
The Celtic manager has said that he wants to sign Idah on a permanent deal with a rumoured fee of £6m being discussed. The big striker has been excellent since arriving in the January window.
Personally I don’t think that we will be able to keep hold of Oreily during the summer imo?
Maybe even more so, after the ridiculous decision to exclude Oreily from the Danish squad for the euros?
However, I also believe Paulo would be a very good signing for ourselves, even if not looked upon as a direct potential replacement for Oreily imo?
Also don’t think our midfield functioned particularly well for large chunks of last season.
Numerous reasons for that being the case with Oreily adapting and being our stand out player by some considerable distance under Rodgers imo?
However, with only calmac, having worked with Rodgers before, the transition of the midfield areas, didn’t go as smoothly as expected imo?
Yet next season, we should have hopefully 5 with calmac, Hatate, Paulo, iwata and hopefully Kelly in place within the squad with the experience of what Rodgers is looking for from them?
Still think Rodgers will be looking for 7 overall midfield players next season, with the versatility of lawal making it 8, within the squad?
So even making Paulo a permanent signing, we could still be looking for another 2 to be added also?
Think Holm will be loaned out, especially as I don’t think his physical presence is to Rodgers liking at present?
So adding Paulo as a permanent signing, would be a sensible move from Rodgers imo, even if potentially another 2 midfielders could be required also?
Still believe our midfield has to function better all round next season, even if Oreily was to become a massive loss to ourselves.
Paulo may well be currently short of what Oreily gave to ourselves, but with good additions added during the summer, including Paulo, then overall our midfield can be strengthened and functioning than last season imo?
Kelly & Vata should be certain starters for 1st team next season as average age of geriatric Cup Final team was 28. Bernard’s dog has all the heart of a mouse – wouldn’t sign him if Benfica paid us £6m. Holm has some aggression and ability. Hatate, iwata GTF and no more ‘holding’ midfielders – that’s what centre-halves are for.
For O’Reilly – see Jota sold half-price to fulfil Liewell’s Stock Exchange wet dreams. Lubo type midfielder required.
You misspelled your name IBA LOONEY. Kelly & Vata should be starters haha are you being serious.
Firstly go back to school Staring Line up Hart 37, CCV 26, Scales 26, Taylor 26, Johnston 25, O’Riley 23, Hatate 26, McGregor 30, Forrest 32, Maeda 26, Kyogo 29 so that’s 21.81. Now take Joe Hart out that is 26.9. 26/27 is the PRIME AGE for footballers.
Secondly Kelly has done OK but none have done anything to suggest they are first team players.
Thirdly if it was not for Bernardo’s DRIVE and shot on the 90th minute in the cup final Idah would not have scored his goal.
Fourthly Holme has done very little and has had little flashes of ability but miles away from the ability of Bernardo
Fifthly ‘Hatate, iwata GTF and no more ‘holding’ midfielders – that’s what centre-halves are for.’ WOW you clearly have no concept or knowledge of football especially the way BR sets up….. OH MY!
Sixthly Jota sold half-price WHAT! If you think Jota is worth 50M then… ( Fill the blanks)
Seventhly what is this got to do with Lawwell ??? OH give it up man.
End note. I BET you are pure raging that wee James Forrest started getting a game and was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.
27.81 typo