Celtic complete signing of Paulo Bernardo from Benfica, initially on loan

Celtic have completed the signing of Benfica midfielder Paulo Bernardo on loan.

The 21-year-old has made the move to Glasgow and completed his medical before signing a season-long loan deal, with Celtic holding an option to make the move permanent if Bernardo is a success.

Bernardo started his career with Benfica’s B team in 2020, moving to the senior side a year later. The Portuguese youth international, who has played for his country at every age level from Under-15 to Under-21, spent last season on loan at Pacos de Ferreira.

When the move was finalised on Friday night he said: “I’m very excited to be here. It’s a great club and I’m ready to be on the pitch and to help the team.

He’ll now look to cement a place in Brendan Rodgers’ team as they look for success in domestic competition and in the Champions League, where they’ve been drawn against Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord and Lazio.

“[He’s a young player that’s coming in with potential and that will hopefully be confirmed,” Rodgers said in his Friday media conference, ahead of the signing announcement.

“He comes in with the opportunity to see him and give us more strength in depth in that midfield area and we will see how he develops.”

Bernardo is the ninth new player to move to Celtic Park this summer. He follows Nat Phillips, Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Yang Hyun-jun, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Mario Tilio, Odin Thiago Holm and Kwon Hyeok-kyu in joining the club.