Celtic could sign €7.5 million midfielder for bargain fee

Celtic's midfield department is in an interesting position right now. With clubs like Manchester United, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid rumoured to be interested in Matt O'Riley, the Danish international's future at Parkhead is in major doubt. It is very possible that he could be on his way out in the summer for a Scottish record transfer fee.

Another midfielder who might not be at Celtic come next season is Paulo Bernardo. The Portuguese youth international is on a season-long loan from Benfica, although the Hoops do have an option to sign him permanently in the summer.

Bernardo has played a decent bit of football for Celtic this season. But when everybody is fit and available, he is not a regular starter. So, will the club try to sign him permanently in the summer?

As reported by Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), Celtic look like they will advance for the signing of Bernardo. It has been claimed that the Hoops gave ‘signs’ that they could meet the option, which stands at €7.5 million, with 30% of a future fee staying with Benfica. But with the Eagles not having plans for the midfielder, it seems the operation could even be done for cheaper, but there has apparently been no contact for that lower fee yet.

Celtic could sign €7.5 million midfielder for bargain fee

Bernardo's situation is certainly an interesting one. He is not a nailed-on starter right now but if O'Riley does indeed leave in the summer, he could potentially take his spot in the starting XI.

There are clearly areas of his game that Bernardo needs to improve. But at the same time, there is a ton of potential as well.

Overall, a €7.5 million transfer fee might be a bit too steep for a player in Bernardo's position in the Celtic squad. But if the club can bright that figure lower, he has the potential to be a great long-term signing.