Celtic are reportedly set to part ways with left-back Alexandro Bernabei in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider.
The Scottish champions are said to have “no interest” in retaining the Argentine defender, with plans to bring in a new recruit in his position.
Bernabei, now 24, is currently out on loan with Brazilian side Internacional, a move intended to provide him with more playing opportunities.
His loan deal expires at the end of the year, at which point he is due to return to Celtic Park. However, the Glasgow club’s intentions to offload him have become apparent, suggesting his time in Scotland may soon come to an end.
Signed in June 2022, Bernabei arrived at Celtic with high expectations, brought in to strengthen the left side of defence. Since then, he has made a total of 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring just once.
In the previous season, his involvement was limited to nine matches, and he subsequently found himself sliding down the club’s pecking order.
The Argentine started his career with Lanus in his homeland, rising through their academy ranks and becoming a regular in their senior team, where he accumulated 88 appearances and scored five goals.
His potential earned him the move to Celtic, but his time in Scotland has yet to bear fruit. The loan to Internacional was seen as a chance for Bernabei to gain valuable match experience; he has since played 17 games and scored twice in Brazil.
Reflecting on his initial arrival at Celtic, Bernabei expressed his excitement at joining a European club and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
“I’m very happy to be here and I feel grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity. I feel proud to be playing in Europe because it was one of my dreams, and I’m excited to train with and play with my new team-mates.”
He was particularly captivated by the atmosphere at Celtic Park, adding:
“The stadium is just incredible. The people, the club, team-mates, and the coaching staff are all incredible. I’m very excited and happy, and I can’t wait to be playing in the Champions League. I’ve heard that the people are crazy, so I can’t wait to sense that feeling and emotion in Celtic Park.”
Bernabei was one of the first players recruited by former manager Ange Postecoglou, who saw potential in the young Argentine and offered him encouragement upon signing.
“I spoke to the manager and he said he believed in me and my quality and that I can adapt to the team quickly,” Bernabei said at the time.
In becoming the first Argentine to play for Celtic, Bernabei’s signing was a historic moment for the club.
However, his future now appears uncertain, with Celtic likely to cut their losses on him and move in a different direction come January.
While his contract runs until June 2027, the club’s readiness to sell suggests they do not see a long-term role for him within the team.