Paulo Bernardo close to joining Celtic

The Hoops are almost done with the signing of Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Benfica and Celtic have agreed on a £3.5 million down payment for Bernando’s acquisition.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who was loaned at Celtic Park for the previous season, is eager to join Celtic, but personal details and deal add-ons have not yet been finalized.

He made 33 appearances across all competitions the previous season and netted four goals for the Bhoys. Bernardo had a great loan experience; he came back to Lisbon with the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup winners medal.

Despite not being a consistent starter for the team the previous season, he obviously impressed Celtic enough to be signed on a long-term basis. When Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor were sidelined due to injuries, he gave an outstanding performance for the Bhoys.

Benfica was initially going to keep to the £6 million option to turn the loan arrangement into a permanent one. It seems, though, that they have agreed to let him go for nearly half the asking price.

Bernando is now anticipated to negotiate personal terms and sign a long-term contract at Parkhead that would expire in 2028, according to a Daily Record story.

Along with the rest of the Celtic club, Bernando will board a plane for their preseason tour in the United States, where they will take on teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Washington United.

While Celtic is on the verge of signing a midfield player, questions still surround Matt O’Riley’s long-term future as Atalanta and Juventus pursue him.

According to reports, Atalanta is getting ready to make a third attempt to recruit the Danish midfield player, who has granted permission for the move.