Celtic are keen on keeping Paulo Bernardo on a permanent basis but only if they can renegotiate the fee in the purchase clause of their loan deal, according to A BOLA.
The Portuguese tabloid claims that the Hoops are unwilling to shell out €7.5m (£6.4m), which is the amount it would currently take to keep the 22-year-old at Parkhead.
While fans on X think that Bernardo has shown glimpses of his true potential during his time in Glasgow, most agree he isn’t worth the outlay:
Not worth that IMO.
— JimLeitrim2 (@JimLeitrim2) March 21, 2024
Goes missing in far too many games, money could be spent better elsewhere.
— Max (@Max____67) March 21, 2024
Possibly a good addition, but he has not done enough to justify that fee IMO.
— Stephen McKnight 🏴🇪🇺 (@esteban110572) March 21, 2024
Quite right no where near worth that
— K (@Kylestirrat1) March 21, 2024
No chance, not worth that
— Mike Fairlie (@FairlieMike) March 21, 2024
When £6m can buy you a ccv and jota, there’s no way we should be spending this on bernado
Half that at the most
— Matty (@_mjoneill67) March 21, 2024
Don’t see the attraction personally. I wouldn’t sign him
— Abhoyforlife Robert Kennedy🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 (@RobertK33433358) March 21, 2024
Bernardo’s performance have been pretty average
The Portuguese Under 21 international has scored 3 goals and contributed 2 assists in 25 appearances since arriving from Benfica last summer.
There have been some standpoint moments, including a well-taken goal to open the scoring against Rangers at the end of last year. However, he has flattered to deceive more often than not.
O’Riley’s future may have a bearing on whether Bernardo stays at Celtic
With Matt O’Riley attracting interest from teams in England, Spain and Italy, there is a good chance that he will leave at the end of the season.
It would be difficult to replace both O’Riley and Bernardo in the same transfer window, so keeping the latter may well be seriously considered, as long as the price is right.
