Star explains the Celtic connection that showed him Parkhead transfer exit was right move as departure detailed
Midfielder left Celtic in favour of a move to the Polish Ekstraklasa last week
Paulo Bernardo has detailed how former Celtic team mate Luis Palma persuaded him that moving to Poland on a season-long loan would be the right move if his game time in Glasgow was to remain limited.
The Portuguese midfielder left the Scottish champions last week to join Gornik Zabrze on an initial 12-month basis, with an option to buy next summer to turn his deal into a permanent stay should he impress sufficiently.
Bernardo enjoyed a positive start on his debut against Radomiak Radom over the weekend and revealed afterwards that he sought advice from ex Celtic winger Palma before deciding on making the switch to Poland for the 2026/27 season.
Palma, who turned a successful loan stint at Lech Poznan into a permanent £3.5m transfer earlier this summer, scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions last term on route to helping the club clinch the Ekstraklasa title.
And 24-year-old Bernardo hopes his time in Poland can prove just as fruitful as he explained how a glowing recommendation from Palma sold him on the move.
“We’ve been friends since our days at Celtic and we’re still in touch,” revealed the former Portuguese Under-21 international. “I spoke to Luis and he spoke highly of the club. His recommendation made the final decision much easier for me.
“When the loan offer came up, I really wanted to come here. Gornik is an exceptional club and it’s evident everywhere. I’m happy with my debut and with the three points. I immediately felt that Gornik is a special place.
“I’m convinced it was the right decision to come here. I’m glad the manager trusts me because he put me straight into the starting line-up.”
Bernardo’s influence has waned at Celtic after sliding down the pecking order, making just eight league appearances last term and 20 in total. He featured for Martin O’Neill’s side during pre-season, but was excluded from the matchday squad for their Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee.
The former Benfica youth product was snapped by Celtic after impressing on loan in the 2023/24 season. While never a regular starter, he remained an important member of the squad under Brendan Rodgers.
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