Paulo Bernardo lands permanent Celtic transfer endorsement from Callum McGregor as captain lays out key 'profile'
The skipper would love to see the Benfica loanee make a return to Celtic Park next term.
Callum McGregor hopes Celtic can seal a deal for hungry Paulo Bernardo.
The Parkhead skipper insists the Portuguese star has the ideal profile for the champions. Bernardo capped his loan spell in Glasgow with a crucial assist for Adam Idah’s winner in the Scottish Cup Final win over Rangers. The 22-year-old now returns to Benfica, but Celtic have an option to buy with sources in Portugal claiming a figure around the £6 million mark will be suitable for the Lisbon giants.
Bernardo scored in a crucial New Year victory over Rangers in the Premiership race and also gained experience in the Champions League featuring in all six of the team’s group-stage matches. McGregor says the midfielder is just the right type for the club going forward with the skipper impressed by his ability, attitude and character. Celtic are pushing to secure a permanent £6 million deal to take Idah from Norwich City and the Hoops captain also rates Bernardo highly.
He said: “Listen, he has been an important player for us. He has big technical quality, he is a young kid who wants to do well. So that is the type of profile we want at the club. Hopefully we can bring him back. He is a great lad as well. He works ever so hard and he is a part of the group we have got.
“Obviously, the club will decide in terms of what happens there, but that is certainly the profile that we want. You want hungry players who are technically good and can come and make an impact as well.”
Bernardo joined Celtic on his loan deal at the end of last summer’s transfer window and made 33 appearances for Rodgers. The playmaker scored four goals, including that key breakthrough effort against Rangers in the crucial 2-1 Old Firm success at the turn of the year. Having played his part in the club’s Double success, Bernardo took to social media to say: “Grateful for this season. Thank you very very much for all the support.”