Celtic have announced the signing of 21-year-old Paulo Bernardo from Benfica on a season-long loan, with an option to make the move permanent next summer.
🆕 Bernardo arrives at Paradise! 🤩
Paulo Bernardo joins #CelticFC from Benfica on a season-long loan with an option to buy – subject to international clearance ✍#BemvindoPaulo🍀🇵🇹
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 1, 2023
The transfer arrangement echoes the deal made two years ago for Jota, also a Benfica player at the time, which has been seen as a significant success for the Scottish side.
Celtic appear to be revisiting a strategy that worked well for them with Jota, whose impactful performances after a loan move led to a more permanent arrangement. The details of the buy-option fee for Bernardo have not been disclosed, but it’s clear that the Scottish club see potential in the young Portuguese midfielder.
Bernardo, a Portuguese youth international, is known for his technical skill, vision, and creativity in the midfield. While still early in his career, he has shown promise in domestic competitions and European youth tournaments. The move to Celtic offers him a platform to gain more first-team experience and showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.
This loan move, with an option to buy, provides Celtic with an opportunity to assess Bernardo’s fit within the squad and the Scottish Premiership before committing to a longer-term deal.
