Paulo Bernardo completes permanent Celtic return
Last updated 1st Aug 2024
Paulo Bernardo has completed his return to Celtic on a permanent deal.
The Portuguese midfielder has joined from Benfica for a reported fee of around ÂŁ3.5million.
He has signed a five-year deal with the Parkhead side and will join up with Brendan Rodgers' squad as they continue their pre-season preparations.
Bernardo made 33 appearances on loan at Celtic last season - scoring four goals and providing three assists.
A buy-out clause was available at the end of that deal, believed to be around ÂŁ6million.
However, the Hoops were able to haggle the price down with his Portuguese owners.
Speaking to Celtic TV today, Paulo Bernardo said: “It’s amazing for me and it’s a big step in my career.
“I really enjoyed last season when we won the championship and the cup, so it was great for me – my first two titles in my career, too.
"I love the club, I love the fans and I love the city, too, so it’s very, very nice to be here again.
“I love the atmosphere at Celtic Park and away in all the games. Celtic is a big, big club. The fans feed us in the game so we can score one more goal or win the game in the last minute."
The 22-year old becomes their third signing of the summer after the arrival of two goalkeepers.
Kasper Schmeichel has been brought in as Joe Hart's experienced replacement.
Finland international Viljami Sinisalo joined on a five-year deal in a ÂŁ1million move from Aston Villa.
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