Celtic expert shares ‘big’ Paulo Bernardo claim as £6million ‘negotiation’ begins
Celtic star Paulo Bernardo may not get consistent minutes if he signed permanently from Benfica.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie claimed that the club are currently “negotiating” to lower the Portugal under-21 international’s reported £6million release clause.
Bernardo, 22, moved to Parkhead on a season-long loan from Benfica last summer but has only made 11 league starts under Brendan Rodgers, notching two goals and two assists.
While he hit decent form in December and January, he has not provided a goal contribution since the Hoops’ 3-0 win against St Mirren (2 January) and has often been benched for the likes of Matt O’Riley and Tomoki Iwata.
Celtic negotiating new fee with Benfica for Paulo Bernardo
McAvennie claimed that he would keep the midfielder at the club for a “decent price”, but feared that he would struggle to make an impact and that such a fee could be better spent elsewhere.
“They’re negotiating his Bernardo’s price tag at the moment,” he told Football Insider.
“If they can get him permanently for a decent price, I’d be happy.
“But is he going to play consistently? That’s my biggest problem.
“I like Iwata and he’s going to be playing for the duration of the season and Reo Hatate is going to walk back into the team.
“It’s up to Brendan and the player himself to see if he plays.
“You have Callum McGregor, you have O’Riley – that’s four players in Bernardo’s places.
“Would fans want Bernardo in before any of those? I don’t think so.
“He can’t see a pass like Hatate can.
“The first thing that Hatate does is look forward and look for the striker.
“That’s what Celtic have been missing, I don’t care what anyone says.
“It will be difficult for Bernardo.”
In other news, Celtic defy expectations as documents reveal £46m payout.
For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.