Celtic are expected to bring in a few fresh faces this January. Perhaps some old ones as well, depending upon where the Kieran Tierney and Jota return rumours lead. But their first move of the winter transfer window looks set to be an exit. it is one that most fans would have been expecting to happen.
The player who seems to be on the verge of leaving Celtic this month is Alexandro Bernabei. He was the best left-back in Brazil while on loan at SC Internacional and that looks to have earned him a permanent move to the club.
Bernabei was exceptional while on loan at SC Internacional. Surely some Celtic fans would have liked to see him get a second chance at Parkhead. That won't be happening though if the latest information on the Argentine left-back's situation is accurate.
As tweeted by Uriel Lugt, Internacional have signed Bernabei. After several back and forths, they managed to reach an agreement with Celtic for the final transfer. It will be a contract until December 2028.
Celtic reach agreement over first January transfer
Celtic had signed Bernabei from Lanus while Ange Postecoglou was still the manager of the club. And while the Argentine showed promise going forward, there were major question marks surrounding the defensive side of his game.
Bernabei faced some issues off the field as well. And his situation did not change much when Brendan Rodgers arrived as Postecoglou's replacement.
Admittedly, he has exceeded all expectations while on loan at SC Internacional. But Celtic probably viewed this as an opportunity to transfer Bernabei rather than bring him back into the fold at Parkhead. Rumours suggest they will get a transfer fee in the region of €7 million out of his exit. That is a significant figure for a player who completely flopped for the Hoops.