Anthony Joseph announces another Celtic exit

The midfielder fell completely out of contention last season and featured only rarely in pre-season matches.

The fact that a former Portugal u-21 captain has gone on loan to Poland is the only surprise detail.

A move to Portugal or Spain would have seemed more logical.

Bernardo joined Celtic on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2023.

While most of the signings from that summer left without trace Bernardo was a slow burner that worked his way into favour.

In the summer of 2024 Celtic made the deal permanent but the arrival of Arne Engels reduced his playing time considerably.

Despite the lack of new signings it seems like Celtic are determined to clear out anyone out of favour with O’Neill.

The likely transfer of Engels should have provided an opening for Bernardo but it is now clear how far out of the picture he is.

THE CELTIC CLEAR OUT

Last week it was put to Martin O’Neill that Celtic had lost 14 players over the summer.

That figure included the players on loan as well as Stephen Welsh, Luis Palma and Maik Nawrocki.

What can’t be denied is that Kelechi Iheanacho, Marcelo Saracchi and Daizen Maeda have moved on. Bernardo joins that list

Two weeks before the Champions League Play Off Celtic are down to six first team midfielders.

Callum McGregor, Ben Nygren and Engels started against Dundee. Luke McCowan, Reo Hatate and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were on the bench.

Celtic have been linked with signing Maik Baur from Paderborn but two weeks after the first link an agreement with his club remains elusive.

The deadline for registering the Champions League Play Off squad is August 13. Two changes can be registered 24 hours before the first leg against LASK on August 19.