Celtic’s pursuit of Paulo Bernardo following his successful loan spell last term is in danger of turning into a long-winded transfer saga if certain reports are to be believed.
The Portugal Under-21 international registered four goals and three assists in 33 appearances across 2023/24, helping the Bhoys claim a domestic double [Transfermarkt].
According to Stephen McGowan, Bernardo is said to have a release clause of £6 million that Celtic managed to re-negotiate down to around £3.5 million; however, other outlets in Portugal speculate this could be higher, and it is becoming difficult for supporters to keep up, truth be told.
Suggestions that his wage demands may be a problem aren’t new, though some new information has come to light regarding his situation.
The latest on Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo interest
According to Correio da Manha, Celtic view Bernardo’s current salary at Benfica of around €1million (£845,000) per year after taxes as too high a weekly pay packet and could potentially pull out of any deal.
The outlet suggest that his expectations are above the line the Bhoys would be willing to offer the midfielder, complicating the scenario further in what has become a frustrating saga for supporters.
In truth, it is hard to see what direction talks will take at this point. Reports don’t always tell the full story. Still, the wrangle in negotiations reportedly stems from a contract he signed with Benfica at 18 when envisaged to develop at a similar rate to Joao Felix and company.
Salary Sport list Bernardo’s income at £5,800 per week, which is quite the divergence from the terms he is mooted to be on at the Portuguese giants.
Hopefully, there can be a resolution in all of this before too long. Celtic need bodies in the door and they don’t have time to waste.