With the two clubs trying to negotiate a deal for the permanent transfer of Jota it is being reported that Celtic have enquired about taking Paolo Bernardo on loan from Benfica for next season.
It seems an unlikely proposition but after being tweeted by a Benfica ‘insider’ it has been picked up by the Daily Record.
The Jota loan move was believed to include an option to buy but three weeks after Celtic’s final match of the season the ‘Done Deal’ sign has still to go up.
Celtic procurou saber as condições junto do Benfica de levar Paulo Bernardo para Glasgow.
Foi feita uma proposta de empréstimo com opção de compra de 7 milhões com o Benfica a ficar com parte do passe, um negócio semelhante ao de Jota…Para já foi recusado, o jogador quer ficar. pic.twitter.com/WQjTvMz15r— M10 (@M10infos) June 5, 2022
Translates to:
Celtic sought to know the conditions with Benfica to take Paulo Bernardo to Glasgow. A loan proposal with a purchase option of 7 million was made with Benfica to keep part of the pass, a deal similar to Jota’s… It has already been refused, the player wants to stay.
The Daily Record reports:
Reports in Portugal suggest that Celtic are looking to repeat the trick this summer with a bid to land Paulo Bernardo.
The Benfica midfielder is currently on international duty with the Portuguese under-21 side, but the Parkhead claim that talks on a loan with a £7million option to buy next term were had.
However, the 20-year-old has reportedly turned down the deal and wants to remain in the Primeira Liga next term.
After playing 17 matches for Benfica last season Bernardo looks to have a fairly certain future with the Lisbon side, Celtic picked up Jota after an indifferent season on loan at Real Valladolid.
Getting the Jota deal completed would seem to be the transfer priority, making a £6m signing is a big commitment on Celtic’s part.
On the positive side it could be interpreted that the deal for Jota is close to completion of Celtic are also enquiring about taking another Benfica player on loan.