Celtic are reportedly closing in on a potentially ‘elite player’ who could one day cost in excess of £100 million with Paulo Bernardo on his way from Portuguese champions Benfica.
The last time Celtic signed a baby-faced youngster on loan from the Estadio da Luz, it didn’t work out too badly for all concerned. And if Paulo Bernardo can make an impact even in the same postcode as the magisterial Jota during his two dazzling years at Parkhead, the most exciting signing of a busy Hoops window could still be yet to arrive before tomorrow’s deadline.
According to Zero Zero, Celtic and Benfica have now reached an agreement on a deal which will see Portugal U21 international Bernardo join on loan for the entirety of the 2023/24 season.
With his wavy brown locks, his balletic stride and his thumping finishing ability, comparisons between Bernardo and one Joao Felix will come as no surprise. And Renato Paiva, who spent 16 years as Benfica’s youth coach between 2004 and 2020 and set Felix on his way to Atletico Madrid, cannot see any reason why Bernardo will not one day replace Felix as the most expensive export in As Aguias history.
Celtic agree Paulo Bernardo loan with Benfica
“What I can assess is Paulo’s potential and this is never-ending,” Paiva says, via the Daily Record.
“Paulo could be the future biggest sale of Benfica. I said this in the past about Joao Felix, and now I’m saying this about Paulo. I feel he’s different. If he stays fit, he will give a lot of sporting and financial income to Benfica.”
Atletico Madrid paid a staggering £113 million for Felix after just one season of regular first-team football at Benfica. At Celtic, meanwhile, Bernardo will compete with Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and the rejuvenated David Turnbull for one of the ‘number eight’ roles in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield.
And Paiva insists that Bernardo has the mentality, as well as the ability, to adapt to the high-pressure environment at the top of Scottish football.
‘Elite player’
“Besides the quality he has, one fundamental thing is the mental aspect at this stage,” the now Bahia boss adds.
“He has everything to be an elite player. There are no extravagances or distractions. He’s highly intelligent, he knows what he wants, and he knows how to listen, which is a great virtue. That’s how he got to where he has, and how I think he will get to where he’s going.
“Paulo had a beautiful history with us. He was identified by Benfica as an elite midfielder. But I told him there was a difference between an elite midfielder and a high-quality midfielder; scoring goals.
“If he didn’t score goals, he would never become an elite midfielder. The truth is that Paulo, being the intelligent
kid that he is, knew how to listen, be patient and work accordingly.”
Celtic look set for a busy end to the window; Bernardo following in the footsteps of new £4.3 million winger Luis Palma. The Hoops could bring in a striker too after drawing blanks in their last two outings; Sydney van Hooijdonk an option after a prolific season at Heerenveen.
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