Peter Grant thinks Celtic will ‘definitely’ look to complete permanent transfer this summer

Celtic will already be identifying summer transfer targets at Parkhead to strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ squad heading into 2024/25.

With six Scottish Premiership matches left to play, the Bhoys are in a strong position as they aim to retain the title, which will come with the added financial benefits of automatic entry to the new Champions League format next term.

Conceivably, achieving this feat may prove crucial in our efforts to attract fresh additions amid the widening scope of the global football landscape, which has made it harder to compete with the elite for highly-rated individuals.

Nevertheless, the club will also make internal decisions on loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, who combined for the former to score a stunner against Rangers in last weekend’s Glasgow Derby.

Republic of Ireland international Idah doesn’t have an existing option to buy; meanwhile, there have been suggestions that his Portuguese teammate’s buyout stipulation sits at the £6.4 million mark.

Whether Celtic elect to pursue either player actively remains to be seen, though they will be factored into wider conversations surrounding recruitment held by Rodgers and club chiefs.

Peter Grant on what Celtic will ‘definitely’ look to do this summer

Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant is a big fan of Bernardo and believes his old side will ‘definitely’ look to tie him down on a permanent deal this summer.

The Portugal Under-21 international has earned plenty of regular minutes under Rodgers this term, registering four goals and three assists from 27 appearances in all comPetitions [Transfermarkt].

Grant and fellow pundit Barry Ferguson were both in agreement that the Bhoys could look to prolong Bernardo’s stay at Parkhead, especially factoring in potential interest in his teammate Matt O’Riley this summer.

Ferguson started off, stating [Go Radio Football Show]: “I like him; I think he’s technically very good. He’s a Portuguese Under-21 international.

“He’s obviously had a good grounding when he’s come through, and it will be interesting to see if Celtic takes the option to sign him. They’re talking about the likes of £4-5 million.”

Following up, Grant added: “If you lost the likes of O’Riley (in the summer), you’d definitely look at it (signing Bernardo permanently).

He later added: “I think the boy has got stronger and stronger as he’s gone along, and I think his performances have been very, very good. He’s different from Matt; I think he’s a very good player.”

Continuity may be key for Celtic this summer regarding Bernardo

Should O’Riley depart, which is possible following high-profile interest in his services from Atletico Madrid earlier this year, it could make sense to keep Bernardo around and offer him a greater license to roam in the engine room.

Impressing on league duty, the Almada-born man has been industrious in midfield, creating three big chances, winning 1.6 tackles, and, on average per match, completing 2.4 ball recoveries [Sofascore].

Granted, his iNFLuence on Games has flickered throughout the campaign; nevertheless, he is still only 22, fitting the well-trodden Parkhead model as someone who can continue to develop at Celtic before being sold on for significant profit in years to come.

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