Celtic find themselves in an enviable position as Alexandro Bernabei continues to shine on loan at Internacional in Brazil. The Argentine left-back’s resurgence mirrors the situation Celtic faced during the Adam Idah transfer saga, though this time, the Glasgow giants hold all the leverage.
Last season, Norwich City sent Idah to Celtic on loan without a pre-agreed fee for a permanent deal. The Irish striker flourished at Parkhead, playing a crucial role in securing both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. However, Norwich’s shrewd handling of the deal meant they were free to dictate terms when Celtic wanted to make the move permanent. The Hoops ended up paying £9 million for the player—a sum that reportedly pushed the boundaries of what the club was comfortable with.
Now, Celtic have the opportunity to play the same game with Bernabei. The 24-year-old has become a standout performer at Internacional, where his attacking contributions from left-back have made him one of the top-rated players in Brazil’s Serie A. His performances have sparked interest not only from his current club but also from other South American heavyweights.
At the time of writing, Bernabei has 22 appearances to his name with three goals and four assists; not a bad return for a left back!
The Hoops cleverly didn’t include a buy-out clause in Bernabei’s loan agreement, leaving them free to demand top dollar for the player. Internacional are keen to keep him but may struggle to meet Celtic’s reported demands. Portal Colorado reported last month that the fee in question could be as much as £8m.
When we spoke to the Celtic manager in mid-November about Alexandro, he told CeltsAreHere, “I think it’s great that he’s gone away and done well,
“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.”
While it’s unlikely Bernabei will return to Parkhead as a first-team regular, his improved market value puts Celtic in a commanding position. With several suitors and no pre-set fee, the club can ensure a significant return on the £3million investment they made to bring him in from Lanús in 2022.
Celtic now have the chance to emulate Norwich’s tough negotiating stance. By playing hardball, they can secure the best possible deal, whether that’s with Internacional or another club willing to meet their valuation. As Bernabei continues to impress, the Hoops must ensure they capitalise on his form and maximise their financial gain.
This time, Celtic hold all the cards—and it’s up to them to deal the winning hand.
Would you like to see Celtic potentially use Alexandro upon his return? Or is it all about getting a big fee for the defender?
I’d like to see us sell Bernarbie, and use the funds to buy Valle permanently. With GT not commiting to the club, I’d sound out Arteta about KT.
Going to have to be a “wait and see.”
Valle obviously wants to return home, Taylor is near the end and KT would be a massive mistake. He is not the player he was when he left. Injuries have hobbled his career and confidence.
He might get confidence back starting for Celtic but he is bound to spend more time out with injury than on the pitch.
I don’t know why Valle wants to return home? Just sell Bernabie if we recoup £2m on him then that’s good business. I would personally put the money towards Valle after all he has a buy out clause somewhere in the negotiations to bring him here.
If it is possible, Celtic should certainly buy Alex Valle, who is an excellent and trustworthy LB. Taylor should go as he is just no longer at the standard required.
Even though he is good, it is doubtful if Bernabei would want to come back after his previous treatment in this country, so it is best to negotiate a deal with interested parties for him. If decent offers are proposed, they will hopefully be accepted and the money used to bring in Valle and/or another suitable LB. However, the aim should be to increase quality. Alex Valle is most certainly the increase in quality and standard we need.
As an addendum, I would suggest that we do not go backwards to sign Kieran. This would not be a good move because of his injury issues and possible wage demands.