Celtic are closing in on the signing of Paulo Bernardo from Benfica. The Portuguese midfielder spent last season on loan at Celtic as Brendan Rodgers’ side won the Premiership and a Scottish Cup.
As reported by Record Sport, Celtic hope that a deal can be done before Brendan takes his players to the USA for pre-season.
The report states that the player is keen on the return immediately and the deal is all but agreed. Celtic and the Portuguese club are discussing potential add-ons, such as the sell-on fee. Hopefully, a deal can be done in the coming days to alleviate some anxiety amongst the supporters over the lack of transfers completed.
Celtic have been actively working to retain the midfielder, who provided some key moments throughout the campaign. During the season, Bernardo scored four goals and three assists in his 34 appearances. The 22-year-old scored in the December Glasgow Derby win over Rangers and helped make the goal that beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final, collecting the ball from midfield, riding a tackle and forcing Butland into an error, which Adam Idah capitalised on.
Celtic will be working to bring both Bernardo and Idah back to the club this summer on permanent deals. Both players appear to be keen on making a return; however, Celtic appear to be in discussions with Norwich over the £6m transfer for the Irish International.
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