Uriel Lugt has reported that Internacional have signed Alexandro Bernabei from Celtic on a contract lasting until December 2028.
The Argentine defender had an impressive loan spell with the Brazilian club after quietly departing Celtic in March, leaving Greg Taylor as the only natural left-back option.
Lugt, an Argentinian journalist for Mercado de Pasas, has 13,600 followers on X and follows 738 accounts. While no transfer fee has been disclosed, it is believed Celtic secured a profit on the £3.5 million they paid to Lanús during the 2022 summer transfer window.
In his first season with Celtic, Bernabei showed promise but struggled to compete with Taylor, who was in top form. Under Brendan Rodgers, Bernabei’s opportunities became even more limited.
After arriving late to a team meeting before the opening SPFL match, he was excluded from the matchday squad and later omitted from the Champions League roster.
The 24-year-old managed four appearances in January and February when Taylor was injured, but Rodgers sometimes opted to play Tony Ralston out of position instead.
A permanent move to Internacional appears to be a favorable outcome for all parties. Celtic likely included a sell-on clause in the deal, ensuring they could benefit from any future transfer if Bernabei returns to Europe during his four-year contract.
Rodgers can sign his new Rogic in Celtic move for “special” star who’s “like Odegaard”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is undoubtedly thrilled with his team’s outstanding performance during the 2024/25 season so far.
The Hoops remain unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, sitting 14 points clear at the top of the table with 16 wins from 18 matches ahead of their Old Firm clash with Rangers this afternoon.
Additionally, they have already secured the League Cup, defeating their Glasgow rivals on penalties in the final at Hampden Park, a trophy they missed out on last season.
Despite their remarkable form across all competitions, Rodgers is keen to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, which opened earlier this week.
Reports suggest the Celtic boss is targeting a reunion with Scotland international Kieran Tierney, aiming for a pre-contract agreement to bring him back in the summer on a free transfer from Arsenal.
Tierney, who joined the Gunners from Celtic in 2019, was one of Rodgers’ key players during his first tenure at Parkhead.
Another notable player from Rodgers’ initial spell at Celtic was midfielder Tom Rogic. Rodgers, who managed the club from 2016 to early 2019 before moving to Leicester City, relied heavily on Rogic, who made 105 appearances under his guidance.
This placed Rogic among the top ten most-utilized players by Rodgers during that period, alongside stalwarts like Tierney, Callum McGregor, and James Forrest.
Rogic, who retired in 2023 after leaving Celtic in 2022, was a creative left-footed midfielder known for his ability to deliver goals and assists consistently.
His impact was a vital component of Celtic’s success under Rodgers. In recent years, Matt O’Riley stepped into a similar role, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists in the league last season before transferring to Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.
Rodgers is now on the hunt for another left-footed playmaker to fill the void. According to The Boot Room, Celtic have expressed interest in Manchester City’s young midfielder James McAtee.
The report indicates that Celtic have made inquiries about the England U21 international, although it’s unclear whether they seek a permanent deal or a loan.
However, completing a deal for McAtee may prove challenging. Numerous clubs across Europe, including Brentford, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Bologna, Fulham, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest, are reportedly interested in signing him.
While Pep Guardiola values McAtee’s contributions to Manchester City’s squad, the manager is open to a move if the player decides it is in his best interest.
Celtic will need to navigate competition from these clubs and convince both Manchester City and McAtee to agree to the transfer, making this pursuit a complex one.
