Paulo Bernardo underwent a medical examination on Tuesday night ahead of finalizing his £3.4 million transfer to Celtic.
The Portuguese midfielder is poised to join Brendan Rodgers’ squad prior to Sunday’s Premiership flag day against Kilmarnock, while Adam Idah’s complicated transfer to Parkhead has taken a new turn after the striker was disciplined by Norwich and excluded from their friendly with Hoffenheim after missing the team flight to Austria over the weekend.
As Celtic approaches a resolution on Bernardo and Idah, they are experiencing setbacks in their pursuit of Wolves left back Hugo Bueno.
The Premier League side has informed Mail Sport that they currently have no plans to loan out the Spaniard.
After two weeks of negotiations, Celtic’s drawn-out chase for Bernardo is set to conclude with the 22-year-old becoming the club’s first outfield signing of the summer.
Having arrived in Glasgow on a one-year loan last summer, which included a £6m purchase option, Celtic renegotiated a fee of £3.4m with a 30 percent sell-on clause, as they were hesitant to pay the full amount. The midfielder has now agreed to personal terms on a five-year deal.
Bernardo is set to join Celtic in a £3.4m deal after undergoing medical
Portuguese midfielder Bernardo was an impressive performer during last season’s loan spell
Celtic also want left back Hugo Bueno but Wolves won’t send him out on loan
With Bernardo now joining goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo as the third signing of the summer, it seems unlikely he will be the last, despite frustrations regarding Wolves left back Bueno.
The Spain Under-21 international was the target of a failed loan bid from Celtic in January. Negotiations over a 12-month deal have now stalled, with Wolves confirming they are currently unwilling to let the defender depart.
Idah is looking more likely to finalize a transfer after Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup confirmed that disciplinary measures have been taken against the Irish international.
‘We have rules and everyone is required to adhere to them,’ said Thorup.
Celtic have had a £4.5m bid rejected, while Fiorentina and Hellas Verona are also showing interest.
Idah, who was on loan at Celtic last season, remains part of the squad’s WhatsApp group, and captain Callum McGregor believes the £8m striker is eager to return.
‘I think he is. He is certainly expressing all the right sentiments about wanting to come back. If it works for all parties involved, we would be delighted to have him back.’
In addressing the growing impatience among fans regarding the speed of transfer activities, McGregor anticipates more squad additions ahead of another Champions League campaign.
‘We need to exercise some patience and have confidence in those responsible for managing those decisions,’ he stated.
The Parkhead side could be making a breakthrough in their pursuit of Idah
Celtic captain Callum McGregor believes the club will bring in new recruits soon
McGregor and boss Brendan Rodgers during club’s recent tour of the USA
‘Everyone wants instant results, but sometimes it’s necessary to be patient and trust the process. That’s the current situation at the club—the players understand that quality reinforcements are on the way.’
Reflecting on recent friendly victories against Manchester City and Chelsea in the US, McGregor remarked: ‘These matches showcased that we were very cohesive and everyone understood their roles. It’s now about maintaining that unity while also adding the right quality players.
‘We continually ask the club to recruit top talent to strengthen our squad. Increased competition improves training standards, which is essential for success. This aligns with our objective every season, as we seek one or two more top-quality additions.’
‘Having lost two or three key players, the club is certainly focused on how to address that gap and build on last season’s performance. There is always work to be done.’
Meanwhile, McGregor believes that Celtic must focus on their own preparations without being influenced by the upheaval at Rangers, who have had to relocate to Hampden at the season’s start while selling players to fund new acquisitions.
‘Having been in this situation for long enough, I know it’s crucial to focus on our own objectives,’ he stated. ‘Once you start looking elsewhere, that’s when problems arise. We don’t concern ourselves with other teams’ activities.’
* Callum McGregor was featured at the William Hill SPFL Season 2024-25 launch. William Hill is the proud sponsor of all four SPFL league competitions.
