Paulo Bernardo has become the latest Celtic summer signing, with the highly-rated Portuguese midfielder joining from Benfica on a season-long loan with an option to buy. The move is subject, as is always the case with players from overseas, to international clearance.
Celtic have tonight confirmed the capture of Benfica midfielder, Paulo Bernardo this evening. The Portuguese star has signed for the Bhoys on a season-long loan deal with the included option-to-buy, just like his countryman Jota when he arrived in Glasgow in the summer of 2021.
The 21-year-old, who has represented his country at Under-21 level, is a graduate of Benfica’s youth system, and made his first-team debut in a UEFA Champions League group-stage game against Bayern Munich.
He has gone on to make 23 appearances for Benfica, while he spent the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese side, Pacos Ferreira.
Paulo Bernardo old the official Celtic FC website: “I’m very excited to be here. It’s a great club and I’m ready to be on the pitch and to help the team. Our ambition is to be Champions and perform very well in the group stages of the Champions League and go as far as we can.”
A delighted Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gave his thoughts on this deadline day deal going through. He said: “Paulo is a young player who come in with the opportunity to give us more strength in depth in that midfield area.
“He’s already gained first-team experience at a top-class club in Benfica, which is something he will bring to Celtic, and we’re looking forward to working with him over the course of this season.”
Paulo Bernardo’s ‘Welcome to Celtic’ video will be available shortly…here it is!