Alexandro Bernabei is expected to leave Celtic in January with clubs in Italy and Argentina reported to be showing interest.
The full-back was signed in the summer of 2022 but after making just four appearances off the bench in the SPFL this season and being left out of the Champions League squad it is obvious that Bernabei isn’t part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
With a contract running to May 2027 it looks unlikely that Celtic will get much back of their £3.5m transfer fee with a loan deal in January probably the most obvious route out.
Last season the arrival of Bernabei was expected to lead to the demise of Greg Taylor but the former Kilmarnock defender responded with some outstanding displays that left the Argentinian firmly as the back up option at left-back.
Taylor hasn’t been able to match last season’s form but tellingly Bernabei has been used very sparingly, his appearance off the bench against Hearts on Saturday was his second competitive action since a surprise appearance at Ibrox in September.
In The Sun David Friel reports:
ALEXANDRO BERNABEI is poised to make a January exit from Celtic.
SunSport understands there is interest in the Argentine left-back, 24, from clubs in his homeland and Italy.
Bernabei joined Celts from Lanus for £3.5million 18 months ago, but he has failed to establish himself.
He came off the bench in Saturday’s defeat to Hearts but has played just 71 minutes for Brendan Rodgers all season.
Celtic are keen on Estoril’s £4million-rated Tiago Araujo as they seek competition for Greg Taylor and Bernabei could be moved on, with loan and permanent offers expected.
The Argentina Under-23 cap holds an Italian passport, and would be keen on a move there.
But he remains highly-rated back home and will have no shortage of options when the Primera Division window opens in late January.
Being moved on 18 months into a five year contract isn’t a flattering reflection on Celtic’s recruitment but comes as little surprise.
At virtually the same height as Taylor and being more attack minded Bernabei hardly fitted the profile required to provide a defensive minded alternative, something badly needed in Champions League matches.
Liam Scales of the current squad is the only other possible left-back although Mitchel Frame, the 17-year-old that made his debut against Feyenoord can play there, as can Matthew Anderson who is on loan at Admira Wacker in Austria.
CLICK HERE for Bernabei Transfermarkt profile.
