Celtic have announced that Paulo Bernardo has made his long-awaited return to the club on a permanent basis from Benfica.
The Portuguese midfielder arrived last summer on an initial loan deal and after months of negotiations, he has returned on a five-year deal.
The Scottish champions will pay a reported £3.4m fee, although Benfica will retain a 30% sell on clause.
After a slow start last season, the 22-year-old rose to the occasion in the second half of the season, shining in particular in derby fixtures.
He opened the scoring in a crucial 2-1 win at Parkhead, assisted Adam Idah’s vital goal at Ibrox in the 3-3 draw before his strike directly led to the Irishman’s Scottish Cup final winner.
It is the Hoops’ third summer signing and first outfield arrival after the acquisitions of Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo.
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