Argentine football journalist Peter Coates has described Celtic’s signing of Lanus full-back Alexandro Bernabei as a ‘really clever move’.
The 21-year-old completed his £3.75 million move to Parkhead last week and will become the first Argentinian player to pull on the green and white Hoops.
The South American market isn’t one which Celtic have delved into often. However, in Postecoglou’s first 12 months in the Parkhead dugout, the 56-year-old has shown flexibility during the transfer window.
Celtic’s move to sign Bernabei has been praised by many, and it looks to be a very smart pick-up from Postecoglou and the staff at the club.
According to Argentine football commentator and Golazo Argentino editor Peter Coates, Celtic could look to make a ‘huge profit’ on the talented youngster and described the deal as a ‘bargain’ for the Hoops.
He said [Glasgow Live]: “I think it’s a really clever move, and if it proves successful, I think we will see it a lot more. A lot of smart teams are coming to scout South America as they see the bargains that can be had.
“Bernabei is 21, a former youth international with good experience, and a big upside in terms of his technical ability. It’s a relatively small fee Celtic have paid for a European club, but it’s money that is hard to turn down for a South American club.
“It could be a bit of a bargain. Celtic will probably look at the guy, and if it doesn’t work out, it’s not a critical blow to the accounts. But if he works, he’s the kind of age where he could be sold in a couple of years for £20 million.
“That’s a huge profit, and if they do end up with that, he’s obviously contributed very well to the first team. I think the poor economy and clubs struggling financially across the board means they are very open to these deals.”
Bernabei looks like another brilliant move from Postecoglou in the transfer market.
Going into this summer’s transfer window, the left-back position appeared to be a priority for Ange Postecoglou.
The former Socceroos boss quickly got his man by signing Bernabei, who is now in place for Celtic’s pre-season trip to Austria.
The majority of Postecoglou’s business has been impressive since his first window last summer, and his additions so far look to be heading in the same direction.
At just 21, Bernabei has a lot of learning to do. But, at the same time, the full-back appears to have the potential to go straight into the Celtic starting 11.
The Celtic manager will be looking forward to getting a closer look at the Argentinian under-23s internationalist, and the Parkhead faithful won’t have to wait too long for their first glimpse either, with the Bhoys set for their first friendly later this week.
In other news, Former Celtic man signs up recent Lennoxtown prospect to English side.
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