Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has given a measured response to Alexandro Bernabei’s return in January, despite the left-back’s impressive loan spell with Internacional in Brazil.
The 23-year-old has thrived in South America, becoming a key figure in Internacional’s 14-match unbeaten streak that has lifted them to fifth place in Serie A.
His performances have attracted the attention of a lot of clubs, with some reports in Brazil suggesting that Celtic could demand a fee of up to £8 million.
While acknowledging Bernabei’s strong performances, Rodgers tempered expectations about his reintegration into the Celtic squad.
“I think it’s great that he’s gone away and done well,” Rodgers said. “Sometimes you just find that. He’d been here for a period of time, and it hadn’t worked out as probably what he or the club would have wanted. Sometimes that happens—you go away, back into a different culture, a different life, and back into South America for him.”
Rodgers confirmed that Bernabei’s situation will be reviewed once his loan ends in January. “The reports that I hear are that he’s done well, but there’s nothing more to add than that. He’ll finish his spell there, and then we’ll look at that and see where that’s at come January,” he added.
Bernabei’s loan departure in March suggested that Rodgers was unconvinced by the Argentinian’s ability to make an impact at Parkhead. His struggles to adapt to life in Scotland had left Greg Taylor as Celtic’s sole natural left-back option, prompting the club to facilitate a fresh start for Bernabei.
The situation is reminiscent of Mikey Johnston, who rediscovered form during a loan spell at West Brom before ultimately making his move permanent. While Bernabei’s resurgence in Brazil has caught attention, there doesn’t seem to be a future for him at Celtic.
The January transfer window will be pivotal in determining Bernabei’s future. Celtic must decide whether his performances in Brazil warrant another chance at Parkhead or whether a permanent move would be in the best interests of both the player and the club.
