Celtic’s first permanent exit of 2025 is announced

Celtic and Internacional of Brazil have concluded their negotiations with the deal to transfer Alexandro Bernabei announced.

No details have emerged from the Brazilian side but in standard fashion Celtic are likely to have included a sell-on clause to ensure that they get a slice of the deal if Bernabei returns to Europe.

Celtic signed their first ever Argentinian in July 2022 with a red card issued for head-butting in his final appearance for Lanus.

Competition for Greg Taylor was the plan but after being involved in 15 SPFL Premiership matches in his first season things quickly went downhill for Bernabei under Brendan Rodgers.

In March a loan move to Internacional was sanctioned without Celtic having a specialised left-back to cover for Taylor, fortunately the former Kilmarnock man remained injury free, over in Brazil Bernabei’s career went from strength to strength after a slow start.

A permanent move has been expected since the turn of the year, on Sunday night Internacional announced:

Sport Club Internacional announces that it has concluded negotiations with Celtic Football Club for the permanent signing of left-back Alexandro Bernabei. The athlete, who stood out in the 2024 season, has signed a contract valid until December 2028.

Bernabei arrived at Internacional in March 2024, on loan, and became a key player in the team, contributing to the team’s recovery in the second half of the year. In the Brazilian Championship, he played 23 matches, scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists, a performance that earned him the award for best left-back in the competition.

“I am very happy here, and so is my family. I want to continue giving my best to help Inter achieve great results. I know how big and important it is to wear this shirt. Now, I have to continue seeking the best achievements together with my teammates and our fans,” said the player.

Bernabei’s departure doesn’t affect Celtic’s plans at left-back but does provide a decent windfall with low expectations of a transfer fee or profit when the initial loan was set up.

Stephen Welsh moved on loan to Mechelen earlier in the month with Odin Thiago-Holm joining LAFC on a similar basis.