Celtic last night completed the signing of Benfica midfielder Paulo Bernardo on a season-long loan, with an option to buy clause included.
The highly-rated 21-year-old, who has represented Portugal at Under-21 level, is a graduate of Benfica’s youth academy, and has already featured in the Champions League.
After penning his loan deal at Parkhead, Bernardo said: “I’m very excited to be here. It’s a great club and I’m ready to be on the pitch and to help the team.
“Our ambition is to be champions and perform very well in the group stages of the Champions League and go as far as we can.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers added: “Paulo is a young player who come in with the opportunity to give us more strength in depth in that midfield area.
“He’s already gained first-team experience at a top-class club in Benfica, which is something he will bring to Celtic, and we’re looking forward to working with him over the course of this season.”
Rodgers’ side also confirmed the exit of midfielder Ismaila Soro to Beitar Jerusalem, while Sead Haksabanovic joined Stoke City on loan after expressing frustration over a lack of game time on social media.
Elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership, Steven MacLean’s St Johnstone were active on deadline day as they confirmed the additions of two midfielders.
Combative Austrian Sven Sprangler penned a two-year contract after a successful trial period and Charlton winger Diallang Jaiyesimi moved to Perth on a season-long loan.
Motherwell signed 19-year-old left-back Georgie Gent from Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.
“Getting Georgie in provides us with strength and depth in a position that we needed,” manager Stuart Kettlewell told Motherwell’s website.
“Georgie came through at Manchester City, which I think shows how impressive he was from a young age.
“He has since developed well at Blackburn and got plenty minutes for his age. This is his next step in development, playing first-team football.”
Premiership newcomers Dundee were also active on the final day of the window as they added Burnley winger Marcel Lewis on short-term loan deal until January.
The 21-year-old was previously on Chelsea’s books and has played for Union St Gilloise and Accrington during his short career to date.
Kilmarnock had the last bit of business of the summer window as they confirmed the signing of Andy Dallas from Barnsley, on loan.
The Glasgow-born striker came through the academy at Rangers, before impressing on loan spells with Stenhousemuir and Greenock Morton which secured a move to Cambridge United in 2019.
Dallas also enjoyed time at Weymouth, Solihull Moors and Chesterfield prior to earning a three-year contract with EFL League One side Barnsley earlier this Summer.
