Celtic have no choice but to move on from this £3.5 million dud

It may be time for the Hoops to part ways with an out-of-form midfielder.
Celtic v Roma
Celtic v Roma | Alan Harvey - SNS Group/GettyImages

Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has struggled for gametime this season, and supporters are thinking that it may finally be time for the player to depart Celtic.

Bernardo arrived in Glasgow on loan in September 2023 and was brought in permanently the following summer after a good first season in the Hoops. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, the player was given plenty of gametime, but this season, he has failed to impress.

Right from the off, it seemed that he had fallen out of favour, and that would turn out to be true, with the midfielder only making 17 appearances in all competitions this campaign. He has only played in seven league matches.

Bought for £3.5 million, everyone was happy enough with the move. He brought something unique to the team and was a player who was able to offer versatility in midfield. There is a consensus that he is a fantastic player, but when he isn't given the chance to show that, there's not much he can do.

Time for a move?

Although fans have been calling for Bernardo to have an extended run in the starting eleven, that hasn't happened yet, and now, it seems likely that he will be moved on in the summer. Of course, that could all change when a new manager comes through the door, as he could favour Bernardo over any of the other midfield options.

Some supporters haven't been happy with his time at the club, saying that he hasn't really done much apart from a goal against Rangers all the way back in 2023. He had the chance to win people over when he was featured in the midfield against Dundee in the Scottish Cup alongside captain Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, but he failed to perform.

He was substituted after 45 minutes, and that pretty much sums it all up. Playing in a more advanced role than the other two midfielders, he really had the chance to show that he still has what it takes, but he completely failed to influence the match, and ultimately, he will never get his spot back as long as Benjamin Nygren is in good form.

Martin O'Neill gave him his chance against Dundee, and he didn't do his part. This isn't completely out of the blue either, as when he has been given chances in the league this season, he has failed to do much. There almost seems to be no way back for him, and it may be best for both parties to part ways at the end of the season.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations