Paulo Bernardo appeared to bid farewell to Celtic supporters in an end-of-season social media post - but a permanent transfer deal is reportedly not off the cards.
The Portuguese midfielder joined Celtic on a season-long loan in September with the Parkhead club having the option to buy the 22-year-old as part of the agreement with Benfica.
Bernardo made 33 appearances for Celtic this season and was a trusted midfield operator under Brendan Rodgers.
Bernardo was integral in Celtic's winning goal against Rangers in the Scottish Cup on Saturday as he surged towards goal and fired a stinging shot at Jack Butland which was then tucked home by Adam Idah on the rebound.
The impact - along with an opener against Rangers in a league contest - earned Bernardo huge praise from supporters with some keen on a permanent deal.
However, Bernardo shared a message on social media which appeared to suggest he would be returning to Benfica rather than remaining at Celtic.
On Instagram - alongside pictures of him playing for Celtic - Bernardo posted: "Grateful for this season 💚🍀
"Thank you very very much for all the support."
But reports in Portugal claim a deal for Bernardo to move to Celtic is being considered. It's claimed a move would cost Celtic in the region of £6.5m.
O Jogo claim Bernardo is not part of the first-team plans at Benfica with Celtic thought to be evaluating whether or not to activate the buy clause in his loan deal.
