The transfer developments at Celtic continue to unfold at a rapid pace, with Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo set to land in Glasgow this evening. He’s expected to join the Scottish champions on a season-long loan from Benfica. However, the intricacies of the deal are still being hammered out, adding an element of suspense as Friday’s transfer deadline approaches.
Anthony Joseph, who has been closely tracking the story, reports that Celtic and Benfica are still in talks over the option-to-buy fee that would come into play at the end of the loan period. Additionally, negotiations are ongoing regarding a future sell-on clause, should Celtic decide to make the move permanent.
This situation bears similarities to the Jota deal, where Celtic managed to secure the player at a bargain price following an initial loan spell. Jota’s standout performances would have undoubtedly inflated his price tag had a prior agreement not been in place. The club is keen to replicate this savvy business model with Paulo Bernardo, ensuring they have the option to keep him at a reasonable cost if he impresses during his loan stint.
Given the looming deadline, it’s crucial for Celtic to finalise the terms that would allow them to secure Bernardo’s services long-term, should he shine in the Scottish Premiership. With the clock ticking, the club is working diligently to get the deal over the line at the right price, offering the possibility that Bernardo could become a mainstay in the squad if all goes well.
