Bernabei’s brilliant in Brazil, Celtic set for surprise transfer fee recoup

Celtic could be set for an unexpected transfer bonus in January as loan-Celtic Alexandro Bernabei’s fine form in Brazil is set to earn him a permanent move to Internacional…

Alexandro Bernabei (L) of Internacional celebrates scoring
Alexandro Bernabei (L) of Internacional celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during a match between Corinthians and Internacional as part of Brasileirao Series A 2024 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 05, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Miguel Schincariol)

The Argentinian left-back is believed not to be part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans going forward at Celtic, and the club would be looking to recoup the £3.75million paid to Argentinian side Lanus in 2022.

Internacional’s president Alessandro Barcellos wants to thrash out a deal with Celtic for the 24 year old with Barcellos recognising that Barnabei’s valuation is soaring due to his excellent form at his club after the player initially took some time to settle in.

Alexandro Bernabei of Internacional celebrates scoring
Alexandro Bernabei of Internacional celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during a match between Corinthians and Internacional as part of Brasileirao Series A 2024 at Neo Quimica Arena on October 05, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Miguel Schincariol)

Speaking to Radio Gaucha Barcellos had this to say about his on loan Celtic star: “Bernabei is on loan with the club until the end of the year. We still need to work with the club that owns his rights to buy him or extend the loan, whatever the possible strategy.

“We have already started talks with the player’s agent, who has expressed an interest in staying, which is important in the process. We hope to have a favourable outcome, but this will only happen towards the end of the year.

Alexandro Bernabei of Celtic celebrates scoring
SAlexandro Bernabei of Celtic celebrates scoring his side’s first goal his teammates during the preseason friendly between Celtic and Gamba Osaka at Panasonic Stadium Suita on July 22, 2023 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

“Our idea is to keep Bernabei, as he increases in value with each game that passes. He is a player who has earned his space, conquered it, and maintained it, and today he is a very important performer for our team.”

One way of looking at this news, coupled with the Kieran Tierney return gossip that was inevitable after Celtic FC Foundation sets tongues wagging last night by tweeting the photo of Brendan Rodgers talking to the Arsenal left-back at a Foundation event in London, is that with Tierney being valued at £10m, this unexpected recoup on the Bernabei fee goes more than a third of the way to funding a KT transfer fee!

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. Good news, and I would love KT back again but even 10m with a big wage I feel is too much now with his injury record of late. If he could stay fit, what a signing he would be!