The midfielder has started just six games all season, and has been used another 11 times from the bench across all competitions.

That is not where he expected to be 18 months after signing a five-year deal at Celtic.

Bernardo arrived on loan from Benfica with a bit of an edge about him. There was composure on the ball and an eye for a pass. When the move was made permanent in 2024, it felt like Rodgers saw something long-term. It has not quite clicked.

Summer signing Benjamin Nygren has pushed ahead of him in the pecking order. Reo Hatate remains a fixture when fit. Arne Engels is another option, though currently sidelined.

Bernardo has been left scrapping for minutes. Now the 24-year-old has admitted he would not rule out going home.

He said (SunSport):

“I love Portugal , for me living in Portugal is a privilege, so it could happen.

“I don’t know what will happen, but I see it in a positive light and I’m not closing any doors.”

There is no grand statement there, just honesty. He knows this season has not gone the way he wanted.

“It’s been a somewhat complicated season, but I’ve been trying my best to fight for my place and do what I’ve done in recent seasons.”

That fight is obvious enough. When he has come on, there has been energy. There has also been frustration. He wants to start games, not chase them.

Celtic’s midfield is not short of quality, but it is not untouchable either.

Hatate’s form has dipped, and Engels is currently dealing with injury issues. The schedule is relentless, and the Europa League play-off against Stuttgart will demand fresh legs and clear heads.

All it takes is one strong cameo, one decisive contribution, and the picture shifts. Bernardo is at that point.

He is not agitating for a move. He is not throwing his toys out of the pram. But he is keeping his options open.

For Celtic, the next few weeks could shape the next few years.

If he takes his chance, the five-year deal starts to make sense again. If he doesn’t, Portugal might not just be a fond thought.