Celtic have decisions to make in the transfer market as Brendan Rodgers continues to build a squad in his own image at Parkhead.
In all likelihood, the Irishman will be keen to enact a slight reshuffle that has already started to take place during the last couple of windows.
David Turnbull, Liel Abada and Alexandro Bernabei are among recent departures; nevertheless, there are plenty more individuals who are still yet to receive clarity over their future at the club.
Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah has made a notable impact since arriving on loan in January, scoring five times in nine appearances [Transfermarkt].
His parent club, Norwich City, have reportedly been surprised by his impact; however, it remains to be seen whether Celtic will try to recruit the 23-year-old on a permanent deal, given that his agreement does not include an option to buy.
Midfielder Paulo Bernardo is another player who will come under the microscope regarding his future, with his spell in Glasgow enduring ups and downs along the way.
We now know that experienced goalkeeper Joe Hart is retiring at the end of the season, leaving Rodgers in need of a new number one between the sticks.
Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, Tranzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir and RC Waalwijk man Ettiene Vaessen are mooted to be among potential replacements that have been sounded out.
The latest state of play on Paulo Bernardo’s Celtic future
Bernardo has featured 25 times in all competitions for Celtic this season, notching three goals and two assists in total [Transfermarkt].
His finest hour came against Rangers at the tail end of 2023, where he opened the scoring in front of a raucous Parkhead crowd on our way to securing a 2-1 victory over our rivals, though he has been in and out of Rodgers’ side since.
According to A Bola, Celtic are believed to be seriously contemplating a permanent move for Bernardo, with his buyout clause sitting at the €7.5 million (£6.4 million) mark. Benfica would retain a 30% sell-on clause in the event of any sale.
The outlet claim that the Bhoys may look to push any notion of a transfer towards the end of the season to try and negotiate a suitable fee; meanwhile, his ‘discipline and quality’ are two qualities that have made Rodgers an admirer of the player despite his recent drop in form.
Of course, Bernardo’s current situation bears a striking resemblance to his countryman Jota’s move to Parkhead in 2022.
Either way, we may not have to wait much longer for clarity over his long-term future as a Celtic player.