Why potential Paulo Bernardo transfer to Celtic makes sense for all parties

Following his initial success at Parkhead on loan, Paulo Bernardo is said to be highly sought after by Celtic for a permanent contract.

The 22-year-old contributed significantly to the Bhoys’ domestic double victory

with four goals and three assists in 33 games overall [Transfermarkt].

We previously reported that negotiations for a transfer were going very well,

and Celtic is now optimistic that they can finalize a deal for Bernardo.

To help move the transaction along, add-ons and a sell-on fee have been included.

To put things in perspective, he has the opportunity to purchase something

currently valued at almost £6 million, subject to change.

The Hoops, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo,

are attempting to renegotiate the deal, and his parent club,

Benfica, will not settle for anything less than €6 million (£5.1 million) to secure his future in Glasgow.

Most importantly, Bernardo has declared that he wants to go back to Celtic.

There is a willingness on the side of all parties,

and Benfica are delighted to let him depart the city; this will now form the main focus of the article.

Why Paulo Bernardo to Celtic on a permanent makes sense

First of all, Bernardo wouldn’t require a transitional time at Celtic.

The man, who was born in Almada, is already familiar with Parkhead culture

and has a rapport with his teammates that will only deepen in the future.

This will definitely be useful during the Scottish Premiership season.

He also contributed to every single one of the Bhoys’ 2023–2024 Champions League group stage games,

which is another measurable benefit of signing him long-term.

Offloading Bernardo would fall within the category of a pure profit sell for Benfica.

In the end, they would receive the entire sum for him,

which would increase their compliance with UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations (FFP)

and give them the flexibility to reinvest the money anywhere they choose.

If chiefs can agree on it, prospective add-ons and sell-on clauses

are a cunning technique to guarantee they inherit capital later on.

In addition to having a strong background and frequently playing for Portugal

at the Under-21 level, Bernardo might be useful should there be any movement

in the engine room this summer due to concerns about Matt O’Riley’s future.

Successful teams are drawn to players with versatility,

and Bernardo has the capacity to play as an eight or higher up in the ten when needed,

which bodes well for his ability to contribute at both ends of the field.

Paulo Bernardo’s impressive versatility

From an attacking standpoint, Bernardo can make an impact.

This season, he has generated four excellent opportunities,

averaged 1.4 shots on goal per league game, and maintained an 83% pass accuracy rate [Sofascore].

In terms of defense, he made about 1.3 successful challenges and two ball recoveries per game,

demonstrating his perseverance in difficult situations.

Many believed that when he joined Celtic, he would be just another creative counterbalance for Brendan Rodgers’ attacking players,

but he has demonstrated a level of work ethic appropriate for the Scottish Premiership.

Although Bernardo’s consistency has occasionally suffered due to competition for his spot in the midfield,

he has demonstrated more than enough to be included in the club’s long-term plans,

especially considering his age and lack of experience before to joining Parkhead.

Supporters hope that the man in issue will continue to contribute much more

once a permanent transfer for his services is finalized.

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