Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to add some extra depth to his squad in what is expected to be a busy transfer period this summer.
Firstly, the goalkeeping position is an area that needs to be addressed amid Joe Hart’s impending retirement.
Potential replacements have already started to surface in media circles, including RC Waalwijk stopper Ettiene Vaessen, Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir and Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher.
Former England international Hart has been a leading presence on the pitch and in the dressing room, making the task of finding a suitable alternative a crucial one for Celtic.
Decisions will also need to be made on loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, who are at Parkhead on temporary deals from Norwich City and Benfica, respectively.
Republic of Ireland international Idah has no option to buy in his agreement. Conversely, reports have claimed that Bernardo could stay in Glasgow if Celtic were willing to shell out a fee in the region of £6.4 million, though the Bhoys may look to negotiate his price tag.
The Portugal Under-21 international has been in and out of Rodgers’ side this campaign, registering two goals and three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Jamie Murphy warns Celtic not to overpay for Paulo Bernardo
There are pros and cons regarding a potential swoop for Bernardo on a permanent deal once the summer transfer window opens.
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Evaluating the main positives, he is just 22, possesses a rich footballing pedigree given his academy grounding at Benfica, and has shown the levels he can rise to in flashes, including an excellent Glasgow Derby performance at the tail end of 2023.
Nevertheless, Bernardo also has a tendency to flicker in and out of consistency, which isn’t a trait you want in an individual who may arrive for a considerable sum of money.
Speaking via The Go Radio Football Show, Ayr United winger Jamie Murphy has warned Celtic against paying over the odds for his signature.
He stated: “He’s obviously a good player, is he a £6 million player for Celtic? I don’t personally think so, for that kind of money, I think you’re looking at somebody who’s going to change your team and be a big influence in your team, and I just don’t quite see him being that.”
The Almada-born man clearly has scope to develop further, and it may be worth having some continuity in midfield amid the looming possibility that Matt O’Riley may attract further interest this summer following Atletico Madrid’s advances in January.
Bernardo may thrive if given more creative responsibility in the engine room. For now, most Celtic supporters would be happy to see him play his part in our title challenge before the club review his situation further down the line.