Almost certain to join- Celtic make breakthrough on midfielder deal

Celtic and Benfica appear to have struck a deal for the transfer of Paulo Bernardo.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at the Scottish champions with Brendan Rodgers keen to make the move a permanent one.

An option to buy was reported to be included in the loan deal but it seems that Celtic were looking to pay a lower upfront fee.

Benfica: Paulo Bernardo a caminho do Celtic

Leia aqui: https://t.co/J6Ecb3Dv4j#futebol #nacional #benfica #paulobernardo

— A BOLA (@abolapt) July 15, 2024

To balance that out Benfica seem to have increased their sell on clause to 50% with A Bola reporting:

Paulo Bernardo , a 22-year-old midfielder from the Eagles’ academy, is almost certain to join Celtic Glasgow, the Scottish club he represented on loan last season and for which he scored four goals and made three assists in 33 games.

The Reds’ SAD is still negotiating the terms of the final transfer, with Celtic trying to lower the €7 million initially requested by Benfica. The final agreement is expected to be below that amount, but the Eagles want to keep at least half of Paulo Bernardo’s transfer fee.

The player was left out of the squad for Benfica’s last friendly match, against Celta de Vigo, and his destination is likely to be Celtic.

Benfica seem to have every angle covered when it comes to transfer, picking up a sizeable chunk of the fee when Jota left Celtic for Al Ettihad after a year in Scotland.

It seems like a few issues have still to be ironed out but after being part of pre-season training at Benfica Bernardo should be able to be involved in Celtic’s pre-season friendlies in the USA.