Brendan Rodgers provided an update on Celtic’s ongoing efforts to secure Paulo Bernardo on a permanent basis, following an impressive loan spell from Benfica last season.

Speaking after Celtic’s 4-3 victory over Manchester City, Rodgers emphasised the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad but noted that the deal for Bernardo wasn’t finalised yet.

While reports suggest that Celtic and Benfica have agreed on a transfer fee of £3.375 million, along with a 30% sell-on clause, Rodgers confirmed that the completion of the deal is pending final agreements. Bernardo’s potential permanent move comes after a season where he integrated well into the team, making 33 appearances and scoring four goals.

Rodgers expressed his focus on the broader team dynamics and preparations for the season: “There’s nothing new to add, clearly there’s lots of work going on behind the scenes but until there’s any confirmation on it we’ll let you know,” the gaffer told Football Scotland. 

“I’ll make it clear to the Celtic supporters we want to improve, get better. We don’t want to stand still this season, we know we want to improve the squad and by the end of the window shutting I’d expect us to be that.

“Until that moment there’s a lot of great work going on here with the players, some of the younger players are developing really well. The other players are really tuned into how we’re working and are having a good pre-season which is a good starting point for the season ahead.”

It’s fairly dragged out, this deal for Pauo Bernardo, but the end is in sight, with all things pointing to Celtic getting their man.

As for his fellow loan star Adam Idah, who Celtic are keen to bring back to the club, there are no real updates, with the Irishman involved in Norwich’s pre-season.