Celtic transfer move for midfielder on brink of collapse

The Celtic search for quality signings continues this summer. So far it has been quiet in terms of new arrivals, but it is early days yet in the ongoing transfer window. Unfortunately, there appears to be some bad news for Brendan Rodgers' side already. One potential deal that the Hoops are believed to have been exploring may be on the verge of collapse.

While the scouting team will be searching far and wide, there was the hope that one signing could be closer to home by now. Paulo Bernardo spent last season on loan at Celtic from Benfica and gradually played his way into the team over the course of the campaign.

Bernardo delivered some vital goals and assists for Celtic. His fantastic strike against the Rangers last December comes to mind. As does his effort in the Scottish Cup final which led to Adam Idah netting the winner.

Bernardo was somewhat of a regular in the side when Rodgers was missing Reo Hatate or Callum McGregor through injury. And there is believed to be interest in bringing the Portuguese youth international back, although the Hoops seem to have been faced with a hurdle.

Celtic transfer move for midfielder on brink of collapse

Bernardo did enough to convince most fans, and seemingly Rodgers, that he’d be good to bring back permanently in the summer. The loan deal was reported to have a £6 million buyout clause included in it. But it is the player's salary that appears to have emerged as a stumbling block now.

As reported by Correio da Manha (via Daily Record), Celtic would need to make a very good offer to convince Bernardo to give up on what he gets from Benfica. He currently earns €1 million every year. The Hoops appear to believe that that is too high a figure and could pull out of any deal.

With neither the club nor the player seemingly likely to budge from their position, any proposed deal could be about to collapse. It’s possible that the Hoops may yet be able to negotiate an even lower transfer fee to make up for the higher wages. But there are likely to be other clubs happy to pay more to Benfica and Bernardo.