Since joining Celtic in 2022, Alexandro Bernabei has proven to be a complex figure for the club. Celtic invested nearly £4 million to bring the Argentine defender from Lanus as manager Ange Postecoglou sought to strengthen the left-back position and provide competition for Greg Taylor. However, Bernabei’s struggles to secure a regular starting spot were exacerbated by some disciplinary issues, leading him to a loan spell at Internacional, where he has recently been enjoying more game time.
Internacional is reportedly keen on keeping Bernabei beyond his current loan, but a significant hurdle lies ahead, according to Brazilian media sources. Celtic’s asking price for the defender stands at approximately £8 million. This figure has raised concerns for Internacional, which has been performing well in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and may find the fee prohibitive. Reports indicate that while the Brazilian club is interested in acquiring Bernabei, they are hesitating due to the steep financial demands from Celtic.
Furthermore, it appears that Bernabei himself has a desire to remain in Brazil to compete in the Copa Libertadores with Internacional. This ambition adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations, as the player seems content with his current situation, and the club is considering options, including the possibility of extending his loan until 2025. This scenario complicates Celtic’s efforts to finalize any deal, as they may need to reassess their pricing strategy if they hope to facilitate Bernabei’s departure.
Celtic’s manager Brendan Rodgers has shown limited faith in Bernabei, having utilized him sparingly during his time at the club, with only nine appearances to his name. The arrival of Alex Valle on loan suggests that Rodgers is exploring alternative options, further diminishing the likelihood of Bernabei returning to the fold at Parkhead. Given the circumstances, it seems increasingly unlikely that Celtic will see the defender in their colors again.
As discussions continue, the situation surrounding Bernabei raises questions about the club’s transfer strategy and their ability to manage player transitions effectively. With Celtic looking to part ways with their first-ever signing from Argentina, the future of Bernabei remains uncertain, hinging on both financial negotiations and the player’s own aspirations.
