After a storming loan spell with Brazilian top-flight side Internacional, all indications point towards a permanent Celtic exit in January for Alexandro Bernabei.
The Argentinian excelled back in South America. He made 23 league appearances for Internacional in 2024, in which he scored three goals and assisted five.
It is no surprise the Porto Alegre side wants to keep the 24-year-old at the club, although it seems a move is easier said than done.
Indeed, Celtic reportedly want £7m for the high-flying left-back, which is out of Internacional’s reach.
Despite their financial incapabilities, the club and player want to make a deal happen, according to Vice President Jose Bisol: “Alexandro Bernabei has settled into the club,” he said (RecordSport).
“He wants to stay at Internacional. But we are not going to be financially irresponsible. The club has financial limits and we laid them out to Celtic. It’s up to them, and I hope for a positive outcome.”
Celtic will likely profit from the £3.75m they spent on Bernabei under Ange Postecoglou in 2022.
He failed to set the heather alight in Glasgow, but Bernabei thrived amid a change of scenery and a return to a familiar culture, continent, and language.
The attack-minded full-back has numerous potential January suitors, and if a move to Internacional doesn’t work out, several sides will line up for his signature.
The Scottish Premiership champions will be happy to continue their knack of making tidy sums on players who haven’t performed in green and white when Bernabei eventually moves on.
