Celtic’s on-loan midfielder Paulo Bernardo is earning high praise for his recent performances, with former footballer Barry Ferguson lauding his impact in the Hoops’ midfield.
The 22-year-old Benfica star, who is on loan at Celtic, has taken full advantage of the opportunity presented by Reo Hatate’s injury and subsequent international duty with Japan at the Asian Cup.
There’s an option to buy included in the loan contract, believed to be in the region of £6 million. If he keeps up his performances, he could well find the clause activated at the end of the season.
Ferguson, speaking on Go Radio, expressed his admiration for Bernardo’s growing influence at Celtic:
“I think he has kicked on since that Dens Park game.
“He is looking the part.
“Correct me if I wrong, Brendan Rodgers has spoken about, it was a case of when he first came into the club, he would break him in slowly and then eventually he would then make his mark and make it into that starting XI.
“He is going to be hard to get out of that midfield, that’s for sure, because he has come up with some important goals. He can handle the ball. He is a good football player. Also looks a decent size. He can play the game, no doubt about it.
“The last month he has been one of Celtic’s top performers. It has taken him a bit of time to settle. He has the attributes. He can pass it and a good first touch. And he is a goalscorer.”
As Hatate returns from international duty, the competition for midfield spots at Celtic is set to intensify and it will be interesting to see how Rodgers manages it. This situation speaks volumes about Celtic’s midfield depth, with players like Matt O’Riley and Callum McGregor already established in the starting lineup. The third spot is the one up for grabs, but as it stands Bernardo is cementing his place down.
