Sudden Celtic departure as midfielder exits club on loan with option to buy

The Portuguese midfielder, who was left out of Martin O'Neill's matchday squad for the Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee on Monday night, has departed on loan with a possible permanent transfer to follow.

The 24-year-old joined Celtic on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2023 and made the move permanent 12 months later in a £3.5million move sanctioned by former boss Brendan Rodgers.

He amassed 77 appearances across his first two seasons at Parkhead, scoring seven goals and contributing seven assists, but has become a bit-part player after falling down the pecking order under O’Neill.

Bernardo will now look to kickstart his career with Polish side Gornik Zabrze, who have signed him on a deal until the end of the season with an option to buy on a four-year contract.

The former Portugal Under-21 captain will wear the number eight jersey for his new club.

A statement from Gornik Zabrze read: “Paulo Bernardo has become the newest member of the Tricolores. The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder joins the Tricolores on a temporary transfer with an option to buy.

“Bernardo is a product of the renowned Benfica Lisbon academy. It was there that he progressed through all levels of training, even making his debut for the first team. During his career, he also represented Paços de Ferreira and spent recent seasons at Celtic Glasgow in Scotland. In Scotland, he gained experience both domestically and in European competition, adding a Scottish league title and domestic trophies to his portfolio.

“He also made numerous appearances for the Portuguese youth national teams, where he was considered one of the most promising players of his age group. The Portuguese joins the Tricolors on a temporary transfer until June 30, 2027. The contract includes an option to buy the 24-year-old until June 30, 2031. Let us add that in Górnik Zabrze he will play with the number 8 on his shirt.”

Bernardo follows in the footsteps of former team-mate Luis Palma, who now plays in Poland with Lech Poznan after an initial loan move was made permanent this summer.

Former Celtic defender Yuki Kobayashi is also at Jagiellonia Białystok and will come up against Rangers in the Europa League qualifier at Ibrox on Thursday night.