Benfica’s negotiating position for Paulo Bernardo has been somewhat blown out of the water by the Lisbon club themselves, with a return to Celtic looking very likely indeed.
The 22-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at Celtic, and despite Brendan Rodgers wanting to keep him at the club they didn’t use their buying option.
That’s because they felt a better deal was available with Benfica, and it appears Celtic were correct. After trying to act tough in negotiations earlier, perhaps hoping other clubs would move into the picture for the player, it’s become clear in recents days they want him gone quickly and will accept any reasonable Celtic offer.
Sunday’s edition of O Jogo reports Bernardo wasn’t involved in the squad for a pre-season friendly on Saturday because of the ongoing negotiations with Celtic.
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt clearly has no intention of using the player and now it’s a case of getting whatever they can from Celtic, unless someone else enters the fray at the last minute.
No figures are mentioned by O Jogo.
