Alexandro Bernabei Celtic Exit Latest as Internacional Executive Director Speaks Out

Brazilian side Internacional are pulling out all the stops to make Alexandro Bernabei’s loan move from Celtic permanent, with executive director André Mazzuco emphasising the club’s determination to retain the left-back beyond the current season.

Bernabei has flourished back in his home continent, emerging as one of Internacional’s standout performers in the Brazilian Serie A. He’s netted three goals and provided three assists in just 18 league appearances this year.

Mazzuco made it clear that his club views Bernabei as a vital asset: “He is one of our main players,” he told The Celtic Way.

The Internacional director, though, also acknowledged the challenges involved in permanently securing Bernabei’s services. Celtic reportedly value the 23-year-old at £8.3 million, which poses a significant financial hurdle for Internacional.

Mazzuco admitted that closing the deal won’t be straightforward, given the existing contract structure: “It is known that it is a hard deal to be closed due to the contract agreement,” he said.

“The control is with Celtic. We’ll make all the effort we can. It’s our goal to keep him.

After struggling for consistency at Celtic, Bernabei has rediscovered his form in Brazil, demonstrating the kind of attacking prowess and consistency that initially attracted the Glasgow giants to him.

For Celtic, the decision to hold out for a substantial fee may prove shrewd, with the defender’s revitalised performances potentially driving up his market value.

While Internacional are pushing to keep Bernabei, the high valuation remains a sticking point.

As the Brazilian season heads towards its conclusion, all eyes will be on whether Internacional can find a financial solution to retain the player Celtic fans hoped would become a mainstay at Parkhead.