Internacional make their Alexandro Bernabei intentions clear as Celtic loanee causes a stir in Brazil

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Alexandro Bernabei didn’t have the easiest time in Scotland after signing for Celtic but looks to have found a footballing home at Internacional.

The left-back has made just 16 starts for the Bhoys, only four of which came in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ appointment last summer.

His start after making a loan move to Brazil was difficult, too. The 24-year-old was initially a bit part player but he has now found regular football and a hot streak of form that is exciting his club’s supporters.

Bernabei scored his second goal for Internacional in a big derby match at the weekend. This came at the end of a 14-game run during which he’s excelled, never dipping below a match rating of 7.0, according to stat-trackers Fotmob.

Now, Inter are making serious noises about keeping him for longer, with his loan deal due to expire at the end of 2024.

Internacional want to keep Celtic star Alexandro Bernabei

The Brazilian club have a purchase option to retain his services and have already opened discussions with his agent about signing him beyond his current deal.

However, it seems they still want to negotiate final terms with Celtic.

Internacional’s president Alessandro Barcellos told Radio Gaucha: “Bernabei is on loan with the club until the end of the year. We still need to work with the club that owns his rights to buy him or extend the loan, whatever the possible strategy.

“We have already started talks with the player’s agent, who has expressed an interest in staying, which is important in the process. We hope to have a favourable outcome, but this will only happen towards the end of the year.

“Our idea is to keep Bernabei, as he increases in value with each game that passes. He is a player who has earned his space, conquered it, and maintained it, and today he is a very important performer for our team.”

Bernabei’s options are limited at Celtic

With Greg Taylor established in the position and Alex Valle showing promising signs following his loan move from Barcelona, Celtic were well-stocked at left-back for the remainder of the season.

A return to Scotland for the Argentinian looks unlikely, especially since he has admitted he struggled to adapt to life at the Bhoys.

It’s clear that Bernabei is worth something to Inter. If the player is happy and settled in Brazil, then extending his stay will be the best option for all parties.

But Celtic shouldn’t be taken advantage of. They should push for the full terms of any clause included in his loan, given that Bernabei is doing what was expected of him.