Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos has reaffirmed the club’s determination to secure a deal for Celtic left-back Alexandro Bernabei following the Argentine’s impressive performances during his loan spell in Brazil. Barcellos believes Bernabei’s resurgence has made him a key target for the club, and he is committed to negotiating with Celtic for the 23-year-old’s extended stay in Porto Alegre.
After struggling to cement a starting position at Celtic, Bernabei has found his footing in the Brasileirão, where his displays have earned him recognition as one of the league’s top left-backs. His pace, attacking flair, and defensive improvements have revitalized his career, drawing praise from Internacional supporters.
Bernabei's standout performances during his tenure have showcased the potential which convinced Celtic to sign him from Lanús for approximately £3.75 million back in 2022. With opportunities at the Scottish club limited, Bernabei's loan spell at Internacional has provided the game time and confidence needed to rediscover his best form.
Alessandro Barcellos has made no secret of his desire to retain Bernabei’s services. Speaking to Radio Gaucha, the Internacional president expressed optimism about finding a suitable agreement with Celtic, stating, “It depends on the Scottish club’s interest. It may be a new loan or a price we can pay. It is a worthy investment to pay for a loan. The first loan's price was low.”
The situation is complicated, as Celtic has Bernabei under contract until 2027 and will command a fee for the player. Recent rumors suggest this fee could be as high as £8 million, igniting interest from various clubs as his stock continues to rise.
Internacional has been vocal about their ambition to hold onto Bernabei for next season. Since joining the club quietly from Celtic, Bernabei has made significant contributions, leading to his recognition as the best left-back in Brazil after playing 23 of Internacional's 38 league matches.
Despite his impressive form, questions loom over Bernabei’s future, as he is unlikely to displace either Greg Taylor or Alex Valle at Celtic. Last season, he was even left out of the 25-man Champions League squad, highlighting his limited chances at Celtic.
Barcellos continues to put on a public show to get another deal completed for the popular defender, indicating where the negotiations stand. The president reiterated, “It depends on the Scottish club’s interest. It may be a new loan or a price we can pay. It is a worthy investment to pay for a loan. The first loan's price was low.”
Having previously paid around £3.5 million to Lanús for Bernabei, it seems likely Celtic is aiming to profit significantly from his capabilities showcased on the Brazilian stage. Currently, among Internacional’s squad, only striker Rafael Borre, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt, cost more than 2 million euros, emphasizing Bernabei's value which is presently unparalleled.
The negotiations are still underway, indicating the proposed £5 million (around R$ 32 million at current conversion rates) Celtic is asking for is deemed excessive by Internacional. The Brazilian club is investigating alternative methods to secure Bernabei's extended stay, including possibly using players returning from loan as part of the negotiation process, which could soften the financial blow.
Barcellos hints at this new strategy, affirming, “We dispatched our scouts to monitor potential options.” This entails the possibility of renewing Bernabei’s loan agreement, allowing Internacional to retain the player without immediately disbursing the requested hefty fee. It also positions them to negotiate more favorable terms down the road.
The value Bernabei has added is considerable; his versatility and defensive skills are seen as pivotal for Internacional as they advance. His international experience enriches the team, affording them the benefits of his tactical knowledge and adaptability across various playstyles.
Keeping Bernabei is regarded as pivotal for Internacional, reinforcing the importance he holds for future strategies. The club's management is exploring all avenues to keep him, recognizing how integral his presence is to their ambitions moving forward.
But with challenges looming—Celtic's financial expectations and the need to balance their finances—Internacional is treading carefully. The club is cognizant of ensuring they emerge from this scenario financially unscathed.
If the negotiations culminate successfully, retaining Bernabei would not only maintain soccer quality but also strong defensive stability for Internacional, setting the stage for upcoming challenges.
Fans are left eagerly awaiting developments on this front, as the prospect of seeing the Argentine continue to shine at Beira-Rio remains highly anticipated. With every passing day, the outcome of these negotiations shapes up to define both the immediate future of Internacional and Bernabei's career path.
