PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - AUGUST 4: Alexandro Bernabei of Internacional makes an attempt on target during the match between Internacional and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao 2024 at Beira-Rio Stadium on August 4, 2024 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images)
Alexandro Bernabei was heavily involved as Internacional beat Gremio 1-0 at home on Saturday.
The on loan Celt seems to have settled into life in the Brazilian League but his most impressive phases all seem to be in the attacking third of the park.
Bernabei looked perfectly capable offensively at Celtic but a lack of defensive awareness contributed to the decision to send him out on loan in March without any left-back as back up to Greg Taylor.
Yesterday, midway through the second half Bernabei burst into the Gremio box, played a 1-2 then cut the ball back for Rafael Borre to score the only goal of the game.
An assist for Alexandro Bernabei this evening! ?
The full-back’s shot deflected off one-time Celtic hero Rafael Borre (?) before flying into the back of the net.
Internacional currently 1-0 up vs Gremio. pic.twitter.com/LoaCy0rKKp
— Celtic Youth & Loan Updates (@CelticYLUpdates) October 19, 2024
Regardless of what he does out on loan it is difficult to see Bernabei having any sort of future under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.
Playing regularly and regaining form is exactly the intention of any loan move. If Internacional can’t afford a transfer fee and matching the salary of the 24-year-old there could be other clubs in South America interested in Celtic’s first ever Argentinian signing. Bernabei is under contract with Celtic until May 2027.
Why not get him back and play him offensively. Maeda say he is better playing from defence, so there is an option for pairing. I have to say that I have been impressed with Valle, however. Bernabei would give us another option though and I think we have been a bit hasty here.
Was he not initially a winger who the coaches in Argentina tried to develop into a wing back and latterly a full back?