Celtic’s negotiations to secure Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal from Benfica have reportedly encountered a significant hurdle concerning the player’s wages.
Despite the Scottish club’s efforts to finalise a transfer at a reduced fee, discrepancies in wage expectations may derail the move, claim Portuguese outlet Record.
Last summer, Celtic and Benfica had agreed upon a £6 million buy-out clause as part of Bernardo’s loan agreement. However, Celtic is now pushing to lower this figure to £3.5 million.
Portuguese media suggest that the wage gap could be a dealbreaker, with Celtic reportedly unwilling to match what Bernardo earns at Benfica. Despite these claims, there are reasons to question the accuracy of these reports.
According to Salary Sport, Bernardo’s weekly wage is around £5,800. Although this figure might be understated, it’s unlikely that his salary at Benfica is any higher than what Celtic could offer, especially considering they managed to meet Jota’s demands previously.
The primary financial obstacle appears to be the transfer fee rather than the wages. Bernardo himself is eager for the clubs to reach an agreement, indicating that personal terms may not be the main issue after all.
It’s certainly one to keep an eye on, with the transfer window now open in Scotland.
Sounds like the potential problems agents can throw into the equation of such deals imo?
Celtic and benfica should be able to agree a fee with a sell on clause simply enough, I would have thought?
Yet if the agent believes that Paulo was worthy of the 6M fee, then wages for a 6M player would have to follow suit?
Which potentially could put Paulo upon a much bigger wage than similar players of value, we have within our squad currently?
Wages are always a potential problem in such deals, especially when agents continue to act the bollocks with trying to hold clubs to ransom?
Still think a deal will finally get concluded for Paulo, but would say many more such cases are ongoing within the background at present imo?
Bernardo and Idah both very predictably turning in Sagas . I don’t think we will act Sign either of them
Tend to agree CD.
Would be happy for both to sign but they are squad players and no point in paying over the odds. If deals can’t be agreed then we move on…