Transfer Latest – Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate attracting interest

Martin O’Neill is perhaps much more concerned with incoming signings and in two interviews this afternoon, one on Celtic TV behind a paywall and later in his media conference ahead of tomorrow night’s must win Europa League match against Dutch side FC Utrecht, the Celtic manager could offer nothing tangible in terms of new arrivals just some optimism that one or two deals could be concluded ahead of the window slamming shut.

After a decent loan spell Celtic paid Benfica £3.5m in the summer 2024 transfer window but the former Portugal U21 captain has not been able to command a starting spot in the Celtic midfield on a consistent basis.

This season three managers – Brendan Rodgers, Wilfried Nancy and Martin O’Neill during his two spells – have continually overlook Bernardo for a starting spot and in the few starts that he has been given Bernardo’s performances have been underwhelming to say the least.

In different circumstances Celtic might have looked for favourably on a loan move from an unnamed Danish club especially as the Portuguese midfielder was reportedly keen on the move as he seeks regular first team football. However in the absence of quality additions to an already threadbare squad Martin O’Neill simply could not sanction allowing that deal to go through and reportedly the Danish side has subsequently signed another midfielder.

Meanwhile Reo Hatate, who was relegated to the bench at Tynecastle after his foolish sending on in Bologne last Thursday, is also the subject of transfer interest with clubs in England and overseas looking at signing the Japan international midfielder in this window.

Again any deal would have to be subsequent to the new signings that Celtic desperately need with the Celtic manager today noting that the squad was running on empty as he move towards the window closing and with it the chance to upgrade the squad ahead of the challenges to come domestic and also in Europa League knockout football IF FC Utrecht can be beaten tomorrow evening.

Hatate has been a disappointment this season and looks to have ‘run his race’ as a Celtic player, and that’s a view of many Celtic supporters who appreciate that the talent is there in abundance with Reo but somehow we seldom get the chance to see it.

We certainly won’t in the vital match against FC Utrecht at Celtic Park tomorrow evening as Hatate is suspended following his red card in Italy and that could perhaps open up an opportunity for Bernardo if Martin O’Neill feels he need some fresh legs in the middle of the park after two 2-2 draws against FC Bologna and Hearts with Celtic down to two men on each occasion.

More likely though is the midfield three from the weekend’s draw against Hearts will start – meaning the Celtic captain will be joined by Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren who was the player on media conference duties today. That’s usually a sign that he’s going to start in the game he’s there to preview.

And a quick reminder…

It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?