Celtic appear to be closing in on the permanent signing of Paulo Bernardo from Benfica.
It is being reported tonight that negotiations have come down to the split on any future transfer fee which suggests that the player is happy with the terms on offer with a five million euros fee agreed between the teams.
Both clubs are known for their hard negotiating styles, Benfica want to ensure that they don’t miss out on any future windfall while Celtic are always anxious to shave something off a deal even if it leads to costly errors like John McGinn and Ivan Toney moving elsewhere.
Bernardo had an effective rather than spectacular loan spell last season but crucially out performed all of the permanent signings made by the club last season. In three Glasgow derbies he made a telling impact.
Signing Adam Idah on a permanent deal and finding a replacement for Joe Hart appear to be the transfer priorities but it seems that Brendan Rodgers has been pushing hard for Bernardo’s return.
Tonight Portuguese publisher Maisfutbol reports
After the success with Jota, who was loaned for a year by Benfica, bought the following season for 16 million euros and sold for 30 million, Celtic is looking to repeat the recipe for success now with Paulo Bernardo.
The midfielder was loaned to the Reds and the Scottish club have already begun negotiations to purchase his transfer. To this end, Celtic are willing to pay a fee of around five million euros, and the two clubs are currently discussing how they can divide the transfer rights of the young Portuguese international.
Therefore, it is certain that Benfica will keep part of Paulo Bernardo’s pass, who last season played 34 games, scored four goals and made three assists, ending up celebrating winning the title and the Scottish Cup.
Getting the first signing of the summer completed will be a boost to supporters concerned by the lack of transfer activity even if it isn’t technically an addition to last season’s squad.
Bernardo has been pictured back in training with Benfica but if a deal can be completed he should be back at Lennoxtown and preparing for a demanding three match trip to the USA with matches against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
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