In a comments that has sparked interest among Celtic fans, manager Brendan Rodgers has openly discussed the future of Benfica loanee Paulo Bernardo at Celtic Park.
The Portuguese under-21 international, who initially joined the Hoops on a loan deal, has the option to make his move permanent. Despite a slow start to his tenure with Celtic, Bernardo’s performance, especially his pivotal role in the Glasgow derby victory, has not only endeared him to the fans but also placed him squarely in the future plans of the Scottish champions.
Rodgers, known for his forward-thinking and player development skills, has been instrumental in nurturing young talents and sees Bernardo as a fitting piece in Celtic’s ambitious puzzle. “I’m not going to tell you [the fee]! But yeah, absolutely [it’s realistic], otherwise it wouldn’t be in place,” Rodgers told The Herald, hinting at the feasibility of triggering the clause in Bernardo’s contract.
The reluctance to disclose the financial specifics of the deal does not detract from the optimism surrounding the potential permanence of Bernardo’s stay at Celtic.
The Irishman emphasised the mutual benefits of the arrangement, highlighting the player’s enjoyment and growth as key indicators of a successful partnership. “Clearly, aye, it’s two-way. But I can see he is really enjoying his time, he is improving and developing,” Rodgers remarked, praising Bernardo’s professionalism and adaptability.
Bernardo’s journey at Celtic is a testament to Rodgers’ philosophy of patience and development. Acknowledging the myriad challenges players face when transitioning to new environments, the Celtic gaffer shed light on the importance of providing time and support for players to acclimate. “Some players, they can come into a club and hit the ground running.
“There is so much involved in a move for a player, whether it is family, kids, culture, weather, there is just so much involved,” he explained, adding that Bernardo’s blossoming at the club is a reward for his professionalism and hard work.
As the season progresses, Rodgers’ plans for Bernardo seem to be as much about the present as they are about the future. With a clear understanding of the playing style and the expectations at Celtic, Bernardo has shown remarkable improvement. “The key is, he now has real clarity in how we play and how we work, what is required, and you see his game flourishing. He’s been excellent, and I expect him to get better,” said Rodgers, highlighting the midfielder’s growing influence in the team.
As the season heads towards its climax, the discussions around Bernardo’s future will intensify. Rodgers’ planned sit-down with the player will be crucial, but the Celtic manager’s current tone is one of optimism and belief in Bernardo’s fit within the team. “We’ll assess it, I’ll sit down with him at some point towards the end of the season and take it from there,”
While the midfielder has shown what he’s all about over the past four games, he still has the daunting task of keeping Reo Hatate or Matt O’Riley out of the side. When both are fit, they’re Celtic’s number one midfielder pairing.
