Paulo Bernardo is wanted on a permanent deal by Celtic from Benfica following his initial loan spell at Parkhead in 2023/24.
The Portuguese midfielder was an important contributor across the campaign, registering four goals and three assists in 33 appearances for the Bhoys [Transfermarkt].
With a domestic double to his name, Brendan Rodgers has made his intent clear and is pursuing Bernardo during the close season, and it is known that Celtic are trying to re-negotiate his buyout clause, reportedly worth somewhere in the region of £6 million, though the defined figure isn’t clear.
Talks are believed to be progressing well over the proposed move, and there are likely to be add-ons and a sell-on clause inserted to try and smooth the path to completion.
Now, fresh information has come to light regarding the fee Celtic could pay for the 22-year-old this summer.
Celtic fee to land Paulo Bernardo permanently comes to light
According to The Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan (print edition, page 64), Celtic are planning to pay £3 million upfront with an additional £500,000 in add-ons for Bernardo, taking the overall value of the prospective transfer to £3.5 million.
There will also be a sell-on clause inserted into the agreement, and ‘sources close to the player’ are hopeful both parties can come to a resolution.
Rodgers has been convinced and is willing to sanction a deal as he builds ahead for next campaign; meanwhile, Benfica would bank the entire initial fee in its totality due to Bernardo’s status as an academy product.
Despite the negotiation process taking time, should Celtic land their target for the price bracket mentioned, it would have to go down as an impressive piece of business from the club, factoring in his initial buyout stipulation.
Bodies are expected to travel in and out of the Parkhead doors, so ensuring there is an element of continuity in midfield can only bode well for 2024/25.
Bernardo is a trusted figure who is only likely to keep improving in Glasgow, so hopefully, it won’t be too long before a deal is completed.