Bernardo has filled the gap left by Matt O’Riley, who moved to Brighton for a fee reported to be £25million.
Paulo Bernardo is predicted by former Celtic striker John Hartson to emerge as the team's next prized acquisition.
The 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder made 33 appearances while on loan for the Parkhead team during the previous campaign. He contributed enough to the team's victory in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup and William Hill Premiership to earn a permanent transfer in the summer and a five-year contract.
After Matt O'Riley went to Brighton for a rumored GBP 25 million deal, Bernardo filled the void and helped Brendan Rodgers' team defeat Rangers 3-0 at Parkhead in their most recent league match.
While speaking at the Scottish Legends Golf Series tournament at Loch Lomond, Hartson, a pundit who currently works for Celtic and played for the team from 2001 to 2006, told STV News how impressed he had been with the Portugal Under-21 player.
"Brendan likes signing players that he feels he can improve," Hartson stated. "Brendan enjoys working with them and is excellent on the training field.
"Take a look at Bernardo right now. He had an incredible weekend. He is most likely the next player to leave Celtic for a fee of GBP 15m or GBP 20m. He really is that fantastic.
"A few years ago, Matt O'Riley cost GBP 1.5 million from MK Dons. Kieran Tierney, who came up through the youth system, cost GBP 500,000, and was sold for GBP 20 million.
"It's remarkable but it's down to hard work from Brendan, his style and putting them in when they're ready."
During the transfer window, Kasper Schmeichel, Alex Valle, Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, and Adam Idah were all added to the team, strengthening it for what should be another successful domestic campaign and a run at the newly expanded Champions League.
Hartson is pleased with Rodgers' work on the team and is looking forward to many exciting nights in Europe.
"I thought they covered most of the areas," he replied. "They added a center defender, a left back, a central midfielder, and Adam Idah to the assault.
"Kasper Schmeichel, who replaced Joe Hart—a fan favorite who was excellent in the locker room and quite talkative everywhere—was one of my best acquisitions. It was wise business to get another excellent goalkeeper with a stellar career.
They have some amazing players right now, they have momentum, they have a great window, and they are currently riding a wave.
"They have a distinct style, and Celtic is generating a lot of excitement. They still have eight amazing Champions League games left.
"If you can manage to be successful, playing in the Champions League is one of the highlights of being a Celtics player, and the crowd will be thrilled with that. The boys are thriving beyond belief."
