Celtic confirm underwhelming Paulo Bernardo loan exit | OneFootball

Celtic have confirmed the departure of Paulo Bernardo. The Portuguese midfielder had been expected to leave this summer after failing to force his way into Martin O’Neill’s plans.

In an announcement on Tuesday evening, Celtic confirmed that Bernardo had left to join Polish side Górnik Zabrze on loan. The Polish side hold an option to buy the ex-Benfica midfielder.

Signed from Benfica on an initial loan deal, Bernardo impressed in Brendan Rodgers’ first season back at the club. The highlights from that campaign include a goal against Rangers as well as the shot that led to Adam Idah’s winner in the Scottish Cup Final against the Ibrox side.

Celtic signed Bernardo on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024 and he was a regular fixture before picking up an injury against Raith Rovers that happened his progression. Rodgers departure led to O’Neill coming in along with Nancy and neither found a place for him, pushing him down the pecking order. It is a shame that a promising Celtic career has not come into fruition for Bernardo.

The 24-year-old signed to a new agent in April as it became increasingly apparent that his time at Celtic Park was at an end.

There is a very talented player there and hopefully he realises this in Poland.