“He will be the next £15m or £20m player to go from Celtic” – Former Celtic striker REVEALS that New Signing will bring profit to Celtic, talks about the player’s FULL POTENTIAL.

Former Celtic striker and fan-favorite John Hartson has expressed his admiration for the club’s recent transfer dealings, singling out one player in particular who could prove to be a major financial success for the Scottish champions. Paulo Bernardo, who signed from Benfica for £3.5 million, has caught Hartson’s eye with his impressive performances, particularly during the recent derby win over Rangers.

Hartson, who now works as a football pundit, believes that Celtic’s current management under Brendan Rodgers is setting the team up for success both on and off the pitch. The former Wales international claims that Bernardo could be the next big-money sale for the club, continuing Celtic’s remarkable trend of buying low and selling high.

Celtic’s Transfer Strategy Under Rodgers

During the summer transfer window, Celtic brought in eight new players under Brendan Rodgers’ guidance, ranging from loan signings to record purchases. The club’s strategy of finding undervalued talents, developing them, and selling them for significant profits has been a hallmark of their transfer policy for years. Under Rodgers, this philosophy has only intensified, as he has a reputation for improving players and maximizing their potential.

Rodgers, who returned to Celtic after a successful stint at Leicester City, has always prided himself on his ability to develop young talents. According to Hartson, Rodgers’ meticulous attention to detail on the training ground is a key factor in the club’s ability to churn out players who command high transfer fees after successful stints at Celtic Park.

“Brendan is brilliant on the training ground,” Hartson said. “He knows how to get the best out of his players, and he’s always looking for talents he can improve. That’s a massive part of why Celtic have been able to sell players for such big fees in recent years.”

Paulo Bernardo: A Rising Star

The player who has most impressed Hartson this season is Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo. The 22-year-old U21 international joined Celtic from Benfica after spending the previous season on loan, a period in which he adapted to life in Scotland and the rigors of Scottish football. Despite being a relatively low-cost signing, Bernardo is already showing signs of becoming a key player for Rodgers’ side.

In the recent derby match against Rangers, Bernardo was a standout performer, helping Celtic secure a crucial victory. His all-action style, combined with his technical ability, has made him a fan favorite, and Hartson believes the midfielder has the potential to be sold for a substantial profit in the future.

“He’ll probably be the next £15m or £20m player to go from Celtic. He’s that good,” Hartson predicted. “Celtic has a history of developing players like him and selling them for big money, and I don’t see why Bernardo would be any different.”

Hartson compared Bernardo to previous Celtic stars who were sold for significant transfer fees after excelling at the club. Matt O’Riley, for instance, was signed from MK Dons for just £1.5 million, and has since become one of the most highly-rated players in Scotland. Similarly, Kieran Tierney, a product of the Celtic youth academy, was sold to Arsenal for £25 million, while Moussa Dembélé, who joined Celtic for £500,000, moved to Lyon for £20 million.

“Celtic has done this time and time again,” Hartson explained. “They’ve sold Kieran Tierney, Moussa Dembélé, and others for big money after developing them, and that’s down to Brendan’s hard work and the club’s recruitment.”

Bernardo’s Growing Influence

Bernardo’s early performances this season have shown that he is ready to play a major role in Celtic’s domestic and European campaigns. Still just 22 years old, he has plenty of room for development, and Hartson believes the midfielder’s ceiling is extremely high. While it may not quite reach the level of current Celtic star Matt O’Riley, Hartson is confident that Bernardo can become an elite performer for the club.

Bernardo’s ability to perform in high-pressure matches, such as the recent Old Firm derby, has earned him the trust of his manager and the Celtic supporters. His energetic, dynamic play in midfield has made it clear that he won’t give up his starting spot without a fight. Cementing his place in the team will be Bernardo’s next big challenge, and with the Champions League fixtures fast approaching, he will have ample opportunity to prove himself on Europe’s biggest stage.

If Bernardo can perform at the highest level in the Champions League, it would not only cement his status as a top player but also drive his market value significantly higher. European competition has long been a shop window for Celtic’s top talents, and Bernardo’s performances there will likely be watched closely by scouts from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The Financial Future of Celtic

Celtic’s business model relies heavily on buying and developing young players before selling them on for a profit. This strategy has allowed the club to remain financially stable while also competing at the highest level in Scottish football and regularly qualifying for European competitions. Hartson believes that if Bernardo continues on his current trajectory, Celtic could easily quadruple their initial investment in him.

This focus on developing young talent is also part of a wider trend in European football, where clubs like Celtic seek to compete with wealthier teams by being smarter in the transfer market. Rather than splashing out on established stars, Celtic have found success by identifying players with potential, giving them a platform to shine, and selling them when the time is right.

Hartson praised the club’s recruitment efforts and pointed to Rodgers’ ability to work with young players as a key reason why Celtic have been so successful in recent years. The club’s commitment to youth development and its willingness to invest in players with potential is paying off, and Bernardo looks to be the latest in a long line of players who could bring the club a significant windfall.

Looking Ahead

As Celtic prepares for the challenges of both the domestic league and the Champions League, Paulo Bernardo will be one of the key players to watch. His performances so far suggest that he has the potential to become a top player for the club, and if he continues to develop under Rodgers, a big-money move could be on the horizon.

For now, though, Bernardo’s focus will be on helping Celtic achieve success on the pitch. With the support of his manager, teammates, and the fans, the 22-year-old midfielder has everything he needs to succeed at Celtic Park. If he can continue to impress, Hartson’s bold prediction of a £20 million transfer fee might just come true.