Despite failing to make the cut in Brendan Rodgers’ plans, Celtic outcast Alexandro Bernabei is in demand thanks to his scintillating loan spell at Internacional. The Brazilian side would try to rope him in permanently but are expected to face competition from league opponents Corinthians and Cruzeiro, O Tempo understands (as quoted by The Daily Record).
Former Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou roped Bernabei in for around £3.75m. He joined from Lanus in the summer of 2022 but failed to challenge Greg Taylor down the left-hand flank. After just 28 first-team appearances, the Argentine was loaned out to Internacional earlier this year for the 2024 season.
But he revived his form in Série A with 3 goals and 4 assists in 19 league outings. Bernabei has exhibited his flair and finesse as a left wingback, and the Porto Alegre-based might have to pay as much as £8m to snap him up on a permanent contract. Corinthians have identified the 24-year-old as one of their major targets alongside Spanish veteran Sergio Ramos who is now available on a Bosman. In contrast, Cruzeiro would only make their move if Internacional opt out from the race in the coming days.
Why Celtic Have A Few Decisions To Make
Irrespective of his resurgence in Latin America, a return to Parkhead seems unlikely following the summer arrival of Alex Valle from Barcelona. The youngster has joined the Bhoys on a season-long loan and has so far impressed as the understudy to Taylor. He slotted in expertly during the Scotsman’s injury absence and his impact as an aggressive left fullback convinced Rodgers to deploy him 9 times in all competitions already.
The 20-year-old Spain youth international progressed through the esteemed ranks of La Masia. He had loan stints in the Spanish second tier with Andorra and Levante before joining Celtic. While his contract at Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, the Hoops must look to tie him down on a cut-price deal.
However, the champions of Scotland are yet to sort out Taylor’s future despite Rodgers’ intentions to keep hold of the seasoned defender. He will be a free agent next summer, and therefore, eligible to initiate talks with potential suitors from January onwards.
The Celts are not only going strong in the domestic competitions but also improved drastically in Europe after years of despair. They have ample depth and quality in every position but, at the same time, must sort out the left-back conundrum. The future of all three is up in the air, yet they must sanction Bernabei’s transfer and make enough profit to retain the services of Valle and Taylor.
