In light of the break news about Liverpool defender, Nat Phillips heading to Glasgow for signing talks with Celtic, another story has been developing with Benfica’s promising midfielder, Paulo Bernardo in the last couple of hours. The 21-year-old came back to the surface yesterday afternoon, when reports in his homeland stated that the Hoops had resurrected interest from last year.
Talks have appeared to moved along nicely and it is now being reported that the Bhoys have more or less agreed everything in principle with the Portuguese outfit for the temporary loan of Bernardo this season. It comes from news outlet Zero Zero in Portugal, who claim that the loan of Bernardo has ‘practically everything agreed for a transfer valid until the end of this season’.
Undeniably, Celtic need more energy in midfield and the signing of box-to-box midfielder would absolutely ease the pressure on our captain, Callum McGregor, as we fight on both domestic and European fronts this year. The past few games he has looked out of puff and ideas and it clearly stems from a lack of running power around about him. Bernardo’s signing – if it is completed, which this report says it is close to doing so – could prove to be a masterstroke by Rodgers and the recruitment team.
With another loan deal in the form of Nat Phillips coming along nicely today, it’s starting to look that bit more brighter for the Hoops faithful as we head towards that dreaded Deadline Day and the closing of the summer transfer window. A couple of quality additions can always change the complexion of situations and this could be no different. We have the potential to really kick on and need everyone to stick together. Hopefully a few strong additions to the team will be the glue that does just that.
Paul Gillespie
If there’s no option to buy we’ll know Benfica rate him. Keeping an open mind about this one.