Paulo Bernardo linked with shock international switch after Venezuela namecheck | OneFootball

Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has surprisingly been namechecked by Venezuela as a player they are tracking ahead of a potential international allegiance switch.

25th January 2026; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Paulo Bernardo of Celtic

Bernardo, currently on loan at Polish side Gornik Zabrze after falling out of favour under Martin O’Neill, was born and raised in Portugal and represented the country throughout the youth levels, even captaining their under-21 side.

However, his name unexpectedly emerged during Venezuela boss Oswaldo Vizcarrondo’s press conference on Tuesday.

While announcing his squad for the country’s upcoming internationals, Venezuela also revealed a separate group of players they are monitoring, with Bernardo named on that list by the national team’s press officer.

The development caused confusion among Venezuelan media, with there having been no previous suggestion that the 24-year-old qualifies to represent the South American nation.

Further uncertainty followed when Bernardo’s name was absent from Venezuela’s subsequent official announcement, prompting speculation that his inclusion during the press conference may simply have been an error.

The Celtic midfielder has also never publicly discussed any eligibility, desire or ambition to represent Venezuela, having previously played exclusively within Portugal’s international youth system.

Venezuela are currently attempting to develop a promising generation of young talent, which includes recent Rangers signing Kevin Kelsy.

Bernardo joined Gornik Zabrze on loan from Celtic this summer after slipping down the midfield pecking order under O’Neill, but his name has now unexpectedly surfaced in the international picture.

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