Celtic open talks to sign Portuguese player on loan

AROUCA, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 21: Paulo Bernardo of SL Benfica in action during the Liga Portugal Bwin match between FC Arouca and SL Benfica at Estadio Municipal de Arouca on January 21, 2022 in Arouca, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
AROUCA, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 21: Paulo Bernardo of SL Benfica in action during the Liga Portugal Bwin match between FC Arouca and SL Benfica at Estadio Municipal de Arouca on January 21, 2022 in Arouca, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Other than Luis Palma, Celtic were being linked with no players in the last few days despite the fact that rumours suggested they wanted to sign as many as five players before the transfer window slammed shut. The situation seems to have transformed today though, with the club being linked with one player after another.

They appear to be after a new striker with Mathias Kvistgaarden and Sydney van Hooijdonk both being linked with the club. On the other hand, it looks like they might have an eye on improving in the middle of the park as well.

Midfield is one position where Celtic appear to have plenty of options. But it is very possible that Brendan Rodgers might want to bring in another player, especially with Reo Hatate picking up an injury and looking off-colour before that.

As reported by A Bola (via Daily Record), Paulo Bernardo is discussing a potential loan move to Celtic. The Portuguese youth international does not seem to be in manager Roger Schmidt’s plans and appears to be seeking a temporary switch in order to get more playing time.

Celtic open talks to sign Portuguese player on loan

Bernardo was one of the most highly-rated players while coming through the ranks at Benfica and was considered the future of the club by many. He has not been able to adjust to the senior level though.

Bernardo spent the second half of last season out on loan at Pacos de Ferreira. And now, it looks like the 21-year-old might be set to leave on a temporary basis once again. His deal with Benfica runs until 2027 and is believed to contain a €100 million release clause.

Of course, this might sound like a familiar story to Celtic fans. And it might remind them of another Benfica youth graduate by the name of Jota.