Celtic finished the season with the Scottish Cup Final win against Rangers on Saturday but the focus is already switching to the 2024/25 campaign. Brendan Rodgers and his staff will be enjoying a well-earned holiday before the preparations for next season properly begin. Although, in the background, there will be discussions about transfers – both incoming and outgoings.
One player that will be the subject of transfer speculation is Paulo Bernardo. The central midfielder actually created the goal at Hampden, driving from the midfield and unleashing a shot that evaded Jack Butland in the Rangers goal, resulting in the ball ricocheting off the goalie and letting Adam Idah score the winner.
The 22-year-old arrived from the Portuguese side in a loan deal with an option to buy for around £6m. However, it has since emerged that the fee isn’t locked in and can be negotiated by Celtic in the summer should they wish to activate the clause.
Given his performances this season, Celtic should be exploring the possibility of a return to Paradise. The midfielder made 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times and assisting on three occasions. Despite not having the most prolific numbers, there were flashes throughout the season of what Bernardo can become under the tutelage of Brendan.
