Celtic has secured their third signing of the summer, finalising a deal with Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo, Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail reports.
After a successful loan spell last season from Benfica, Bernardo will now join Celtic on a permanent basis, with a £3.5 million transfer fee agreed upon between the two clubs.
During his loan at Celtic, Bernardo made significant contributions, scoring four goals in 33 appearances, and played a role in the team securing the Premiership and Scottish Cup double. He was the catalyst of Celtic’s win in the Scottish Cup Final, changing the game when he came on and taking the shot that Butland rebounded into Adam Idah’s path.
Initially, Celtic had the option to buy him for £6 million, but after negotiations, they managed to lower the fee to £3.5 million, also agreeing to a 30% sell-on clause with Benfica.
Bernardo is set to sign a five-year contract following his medical, marking him as the first outfield signing for manager Brendan Rodgers this season.
This deal has dragged on this summer, but the club have got their man it seems.
