Brendan Rodgers will evaluate his Celtic squad this summer, and he will have to make several decisions over the future of individuals at Parkhead.
Shifting players out of the door will be crucial to enacting summer recruitment, with some fringe players likely to leave for alternative destinations as the Irishman streamlines his group at Lennxtown.
Nevertheless, one popular topic of conversation among Celtic supporters recently has been the future of Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, two players who have played an important role in Rodgers’ ongoing pursuit of a domestic double on loan from Benfica and Norwich City, respectively.
In the case of Bernardo, Celtic are rumoured to have a buyout clause for the Portugal Under-21 international that sits at around £6.4 million.
Per Transfermarkt, the Almada-born midfielder has featured 29 times for the Bhoys this campaign in all competitions, registering four goals and three assists at the time of writing.
Despite flickering in and out of consistency, Bernardo’s hard work in the engine room makes him a force to reckon with at both ends of the field.
On Scottish Premiership duty, the 22-year-old has taken on an average of 1.6 shots per game and won 1.5 tackles, completed 2.3 ball recoveries per game alongside fashioning three big chances [Sofascore].
With interest likely to be high in Matt O’Riley this summer, Celtic could have a considerable void to fill in the middle of the park, though it remains to be seen if they choose to pursue a permanent agreement for the Benfica loanee.
Paulo Bernardo transfer alternative emerges away from Celtic
Undoubtedly, someone of Bernardo’s pedigree may have several destinations that present themselves in the summer as an opportunity to further his career.
Following this train of thought, in a surprising development, one of his former Benfica youth coaches, Renato Paiva, hasn’t ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Bernardo if there were a chance to do so at some point in the future.
Now in charge of Mexican outfit Deportivo Torluca, the 54-year-old shed light on his admiration for the midfielder alongside claiming he tried to sign him when in charge of Brazilian side Bahia.
Paiva explained [A Bola]: “I had my eyes on Paulo Bernardo. But at the time, it wasn’t possible. He didn’t want to leave for South America. I kept my eyes on him and if Benfica intended to release him.
“I sit on the sofa and see him playing at the highest level, being able to say that I contributed a little something to that makes me very satisfied. I would like to reunite if there was an opportunity.”
Celtic won’t make Paulo Bernardo decision until end of 2023/24
Regardless of speculation over Bernardo’s future, Celtic won’t officially communicate any decision until this campaign has run its course.
Of course, fans want clarity regarding players who will be here next term; nevertheless, reports have claimed the Hoops could try to re-negotiate his initial buyout clause, which may take some time to deliberate over.
Either way, Bernardo will be desperate to give his all for the remainder of the season before his long-term status at the club is determined.