Midfielder tipped to be Celtic's next £20 million exit

Celtic fans have not been particularly impressed with the club's project signings in recent seasons. Most of the time, it just does not seem to work out for the Hoops. But when it does, it seems genius. That was the case with Matt O'Riley. He was signed from MK Dons in 2022 for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £1.5 million. Two-and-a-half seasons later, he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion for a Scottish-record £30 million package.

These transfers are necessary for the club to reinvest in the squad and keep the cycle going. Many might already be wondering who the next Celtic player will be to make that kind of move.

Paulo Bernardo was signed this summer from Benfica for a transfer fee believed to be around £3.5 million. He had a successful loan spell last season.

While on loan at Celtic, Bernardo was not a regular starter. And with Arne Engels joining this summer, he will have plenty of competition for his place in the starting XI this season as well. That has not stopped John Hartson from predicting a big future for the Portugese youngster.

Midfielder tipped to be Celtic's next £20 million exit

As reported by HITC, Hartson said on Go Radio:

"Brendan likes signing players that he feels he can improve. Brendan’s brilliant on the training ground and he likes to work with them.

“You look at Bernardo now, who was absolutely terrific (against Rangers). He will probably be the next £15m or £20m player to go from Celtic. He’s that good."

It remains to be seen how things play out for Bernardo this season at Celtic. With O'Riley leaving, he might be the starter at the moment. But Engels is expected to push for that spot as well, having been brought in for a club-record fee from FC Augsburg.

Bernardo has improved his chances in recent weeks though. He put in a stellar performance against the Rangers in the Glasgow Derby last weekend at Parkhead and then was impressive during the international break as well. So, expect him to start against Hearts.