Callum McGregor tells Celtic to sanction transfer for ‘important player’ this summer

Celtic will enjoy a well-deserved break before recruitment becomes the main priority at Parkhead over the next few weeks.

Brendan Rodgers has led the Bhoys to a domestic double and is keen to build on a strong first campaign back in charge, navigating some difficult challenges along the way.

Nevertheless, Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has been linked with a surprise exit back to Japan in the window; however, the report is one of many that will be doing the rounds as speculation ramps up over incomings and outgoings.

Internally, Rodgers will also have to decide on the futures of Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, with the latter retaining an option to buy worth around £6.3 million.

With the market period not yet officially open, it remains to be seen whether Celtic can agree a deal to bring either player back to Parkhead.

Callum McGregor urges Celtic to sign Paulo Bernardo

Per Transfermarkt, Bernardo made 33 appearances across all comPetitions for Celtic in 2023/24, registering four goals and three assists.

Now, cited via The Herald, club captain Callum McGregor has urged the Bhoys to sign the Portugal Under-21 international on a permanent deal, complimenting his profile and hunger as an ideal fit at the club.

He stated: “Listen, he has been an important player for us – he has [great] technical quality and is a young kid who wants to do well. So that is the type of profile we want at the club. Hopefully we can bring him back. He is a great lad as well.

“He works ever so hard and he is a part of the group we have got. Obviously the club will decide in terms of what happens there, but that is certainly the profile that we want. You want hungry players who are technically good and can come and make an impact as well.”

Bernardo has enjoyed some productive moments in a Celtic jersey, such as his fantastic strike against Rangers last December, even if he was in and out of Rodgers’ starting line-up for much of the campaign.

Nevertheless, reports suggest up to eight players could be offloaded at Parkhead during the summer. Continuity may be key in the face of departures, making the Almada-born man a valuable presence that the club could do worse than keeping around.

Of course, a lot will depend on their willingness to thrash out a deal with Benfica for his services, though supporters will need to wait and see what transpires.