Why Paulo Bernardo needs to finish the season strongly

What has happened to Paulo Bernardo?…

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 27: Paulo Bernardo of Celtic arrives prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Ross County FC at Celtic Park Stadium on January 27, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It’s fair to say that Paulo Bernardo has had a bit of a topsy turvy campaign thus far. The Portuguese youngster at first found it tough following his loan move from Benfica. But unfortunately he still seems to be under-performing and that form he showed at the end of last year has seemed to have disappeared.

Back then he gradually showed what he’s all about with a couple of stand out performances. Most notably in the Derby win over theRangers at the end of last year in which he opened the scoring with a superbly taken goal. But since then his form has seemed to dip and he found himself back on the bench until injury sidelined Callum McGregor.

Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Paulo Bernardo celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal in the Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on Sunday January 21, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan, IMAGO / PA Images

That was Paulo’s chance to find his form once again and prove he’s worth a place in the Celtic starting XI. Most Celtic supporters including myself were happy for the club to pay the option to buy price that Benfica inserted in his loan deal. But that seems to be uncertain now due to Paulo’s dip in form. However it’s going to be a decision that Brendan Rodgers will take and there’s still time for Paulo to prove himself worthy of a permanent move to Celtic.

Hopefully though he finds his form once again. He has the talent, that is not in question, but he’s got to show it on a consistent basis. It’s also going to be even more tougher for him as Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are due to return after the international break.

A cynic might reckon that he’s simply getting a chance to find his feet this season before he replaces Matt O’Riley in the summer with another £25m or so heading off to gather interest in the PLC’s bank account.

Will Paulo prove he’s worth a permanent contract at the club? Time will tell. For me the jury is out.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

2 Comments

  1. A couple of good games and fans cried out for him to be signed.

    When he plays in midfield with O’Riley we tend to be overrun when teams take the games to us. If you watch his runs he tends to run alongside the opposition, rarely does he get back and put a tackle in. I pray we do not sign this lad. Good luck to him but he is not good enough for our club.

  2. RPM Celticfan on

    A pretty negative and unnecessary spin on Bernado imo , how about how fortunate we are to have a player of his quality who has been able to step in and contribute when we have had so many injury’s to midfielder’s , he’s a decent player imo and unfortunately you will be lucky to get better than decent for 6m ,and when we do they are sold for profit before their boots are worn in 😉 Hail hail .