Celtic have finalized the permanent transfer of Alexandro Bernabei to Brazilian side SC Internacional for a fee of €5.5m plus €500,000 in potential bonuses.
The Argentine left-back, who has been on loan at Internacional since early last year, has signed a contract with the club until December 2027.
A meeting at Celtic Park between the two clubs last week sealed the deal.
🚨Alexandro Bernabei fue comprado por SC Internacional: el club pagó €5.5M más €500.000 en bonos al Celtic.
*️⃣El lateral izquierdo firmará hasta diciembre de 2027. #TratoHecho pic.twitter.com/GOa3hErvqY— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) January 10, 2025
Bernabei’s move to Brazil has been a resounding success. The 23-year-old has impressed with his displays in Serie A, earning widespread recognition as one of the league’s standout left-backs. His performances helped cement his place in Internacional’s plans, prompting the club to activate their option to make the move permanent.
The Brazilian media has been full of praise for Bernabei.
Bernabei arrived at Celtic in 2022 from Lanús for a reported fee of £3.75m, becoming the first Argentine to play for the Hoops. Despite flashes of his potential, he struggled to establish himself in the starting XI, with Greg Taylor firmly holding the left-back position.
When Brendan Rodgers returned as manager, it became clear that opportunities would remain limited. The resurgence of Greg Taylor, coupled with the growing likelihood of Kieran Tierney’s return, left Bernabei surplus to requirements.
The sale represents good business for Celtic, securing a profit on the player while also allowing the squad to reshape under Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic have also managed to free up squad space and reinvest funds, potentially bolstering other areas of the team as they aim for continued domestic success and progress in Europe.
An official announcement from both clubs is expected shortly, bringing Bernabei’s two-year stay in Glasgow to an end as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in Porto Alegre.
