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Fullname: Alexandro Ezequiel Bernabei
aka: Alex Bernabei, Alexandro Bernabei, Alexander Bernabei, Berna, BernaBhoy, Alexandro Bernabéi, Alexandro Bernabei
Born: 24 September 2000
Birthplace: Correa, Argentina
Signed: 30 June 2022 (from Lanus (Argentina) for £3.5m + 10% sellon)
Loan out: 7 March 2024-31 December 2024 (to SC Internacional (Brazil))
Left: –
Position: Left-Back, Defender
Debut: Dundee Utd 0-9 Celtic, SP, 28 Aug 2022
Squad No.: 25
Internationals: […]
International Caps: [TBC at end of career]
International Goals: [TBC at end of career]
Biog
Alexandro Bernabei was Celtic’s first Argentinian signing and the first big transfer signing (exc loan conversions) in Ange Postecoglou’s second season. A few months after his signing, Argentina won the World Cup for the third time, defeating Croatia in the semi-finals which included his Celtic colleague Josip Juranovic in the Croatian side.
He had a bit of a curious arrival as he was on a two match ban having got involved in an on field tete a tete leading to a ban for head butting. He soon hit the headlines after getting arrested for DUI in Glasgow City Centre, so overall clearly he had a lot of maturing to do quickly.
Ange Posecoglou era
On the field, Bernabei made a name for himself quickly, providing a brilliant cross from which Celtic scored at the death of a match to win 2-1 v St Johnstone. It boded well, but sadly was to never work out for him at Celtic.
Slow progress but he scored his debut goal in a 2-0 win over Ross County. A scorcher of a goal from the edge of the box in injury time, a much needed goal when the rest of the side squandered plenty of opportunities through a tough match, with the Celtic fans serenading him deservedly in reply with chants of “Argentina Argentina“. Coincided with the recent birth of his first child, so it was a double celebration for him as he sucked his thumb in the post-match celebrations.
His goal even made headlines in Argentina especially across social media. Bizarrely, his goal also sparked a social media row between Argentinian government minister Guillermo Carmona and former UK ambassador to Argentina Mark Kent over the Falklands (see article at end of page). It was more handbags than anything serious, but unnecessary from them to heap this on Bernabei.
Questions had been asked when an unprepared Juranovic (a right-back) was surprisingly played out of position ahead of Bernabei for the Ne’er Day Derby in January 2023 when Taylor went off injured, but concerns were premature. He needed to improve on his defensive work as it was his surges forward that were his main attribute. The question was if he would be given the chance.
Brendan Rodgers era
Under a new manager he had a chance to start afresh at Celtic, but really was to be sidelined by Rodgers, and once again there was nobody really to blame for this situation than himself.
He hadn’t helped his case when he slept in and arrived late for a pre-match meeting in the build-up to the first league game of the new season (4-2 win v Ross County (Aug 2023)), so he was already in the red with the famously strict new manager. However, Rodgers did comment positively on Bernabei in his commitment in training, but Bernabei was one who just seemed to keep tripping himself up.
He had become unfairly written off by commentators from early on without a chance, and there were now many demanding a new left-back to be brought in with certain concerns over Greg Taylor for the full season. However, no new fullback was bought in the summer transfer window, but then to the surprise of many, Bernabei wasn’t even given a place in the initial squad for the Champions League group stages and then he was little played.
Sympathisers can argue that he was given little consistency in runs in the first team, and possibly if given the same opportunities as Taylor, then he could have developed on similar lines. The counterpoint is that actually he still was awarded enough appearances to prove himself. As Celtic’s form in 2023/24 faltered badly, there was little room for risk-taking & experimenting under the new regime, and Taylor was a decent full-back.
Bernabei did still often rotate with Taylor, and in fairness Bernabei played decently when called upon, but he did not match the expectations or hopes from when he first arrived. The Celtic manager had been clearly unhappy with the quality of the squad, but it was clear that Bernabei was not part of his plans going forward.
Bernabei was a decent player but likely more in attack than in defence, being skilful and aggressive with a bit of pace. Some argue that he little adapted to the systems in place at Celtic under Rodgers.
In was what a surprise move, out of the blue in March 2024, he was sent on loan to Brazilian side SC Internacional for the remainder of the calendar year, even though Celtic didn’t really have a back-up left-back. It was a big risk for the Celtic management team who at this point were heavily under pressure and criticism from the support. However, few if any really were concerned to see Bernabei move on.
Whilst out on loan, Alexandro Bernabei had to wait for his SC Internacional debut after joining the Brazilian club, as in his own inimitable hapless way he missed his connection flight from Amsterdam Airport! Once he finally made his debut, the local Brazilian press were actually very impressed, describing it as an “electric” debut. He was to build up a decent reputation and run in the team over his loan period.
In October 2024, so impressive was his form for his club in Brazil that one local pundit even made a big blunder when he called for Bernabei to be called up to the Brazilian national squad, unaware that the player is actually Argentinian! He was one of the top in form players in their league, and was even named in the Brazilian Serie A team of the season!
[…write up all done will add once his transfer is complete…]
Quotes
“It was good from Berno. We know he has it in his locker because we see it in training. Hopefully it gives him confidence and belief. He’s still learning and getting up to speed with the way we play which isn’t easy. He works hard every day and has got his reward. We had guys getting on making an impact [with all the substitutions], which is what we ask for.”
Poctecoglu on Bernabei after his first goal, a scorcher from the edge of the box (Apr 2022)
“I’m very happy to be here and I feel grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity.I feel proud to be playing in Europe because it was one of my dreams and I’m excited to train with and play with my new team-mates.”
Alexandro Bernabei (June 2022)
“Alexandro Bernabei should be an exciting signing for @CelticFC fans. I’ve seen him a few times for Lanús and he’s definitely a talented kid. A pacey & attacking left full but not afraid to put the boot in. If he adapts to life in Glasgow, he’ll be a big signing for the bhoys.”
@theliberozine (argie twitter site, June 2022)
“His alarm is working now,” smiled Rodgers. “He has been brilliant in pre-season in terms of mentality and attitude and I felt for him. The very morning of the first game of the season whatever happened the alarm did not go off. I don’t have time to wait. If you start late in the game and you are not quite ready then the game could be dead. It’s gone. We draw a line under it. He’s a good guy. His professionalism is fantastic and there is no worry. We all make mistakes but you learn from them and you’ll be better for it.”
Rodgers after Bernabei was dropped in the last game for missign a match due to sleeping in (Aug 2023)
Playing Career
[Table to indicate clubs played for, including dates, transfers and fees where known [e.g. soccerbase table]]
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2022-23 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 19 |
| Goals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 23 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 29 |
| Goals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Scottish League
Scottish Cup
Scottish League Cup
Pictures
Forums
Notes
- Celtic’s first ever player from Argentina.
Articles
New Celtic star Alexandro Bernabei reveals what Ange Postecoglou told him after signing 5-year deal
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/new-celtic-star-alexandro-bernabei-reveals-what-ange-postecoglou-told-him-after-signing-5-year-deal-3750897
New Celtic signing Alexandro Bernabei has said he can’t wait to sample the atmosphere at home games, while revealing manager Ange Postecoglou told him he should adapt quickly to the way the team plays.
By Joel Sked
Thursday, 30th June 2022, 9:35 am
The 21-year-old left-back becomes the first ever Argentine to play for the club, signing a five-year deal.
Lanus announced the transfer in the early hours of the morning in a transfer which is understood to be around £3.75m.
“I’m very happy to be here and I feel grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity,” he told the Celtic website.
“I feel proud to be playing in Europe because it was one of my dreams and I’m excited to train with and play with my new team-mates.
“The stadium is just incredible. The people, the club, team-mates, and the coaching staff are all incredible.
“I’m very excited and happy and I can’t wait to be playing in the Champions League. I’ve heard that the people are crazy, so I can’t wait to sense that feeling and emotion in Celtic Park.”
The attack-minded Bernabei will challenge Greg Taylor for the left-back spot.
“I spoke to the manager and he said he believed in me and my quality and that I can adapt to the team quickly,” he said.
“This is my first time in Scotland and Glasgow and I’ve seen the city on the internet and it looks very beautiful, so I’m excited to be able to get to know it more.
“The objective is to become champion and we want to achieve big things as a club and I would like to achieve all of our objectives this year.
Celtic ace Alexandro Bernabei caught up in bizarre international row
4th April
https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/23433212.celtic-ace-alexandro-bernabei-caught-bizarre-international-row/
Celtic star Alexandro Bernabei has been unwittingly caught up in a bizarre international row between an Argentinian government minister and a British diplomat about the Falkland Islands.
The full-back became the first-ever Argentinian to score for Celtic when he netted a stunner for the Hoops in injury time at Ross County in a 2-0 win.
The news created headlines in the South American country with the 22-year-old who signed in a £3.75 million move from Lanus last year being widely praised.
He was hailed by Argentinian government minister Guillermo Carmona, who is the Secretary of Malvinas Affairs in the Argentine Foreign Ministry.
In 1982, Argentina invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands – Islas Malvinas in Spanish – and the UK launched a naval task force that eventually secured victory after 74 days.
Last month though, Argentina pulled out of a deal with the UK about the Falklands’ sovereignty and demanded new talks as tensions escalated.
Argentinian minister Carmona went onto social media to praise Bernabei’s goal and was particularly impressed Celtic fans chanted ‘Argentina’ after the goal.
He stated: “What an emotion I feel to hear “Argentina, Argentina’ in Scotland chanted by fans. Our compatriot Alexandro Bernabei, a Celtic player, made it possible with a magnificent goal.
“And what else to say it on an occasion like this except the Falkland Islands are Argentine.”
However, that drew an outraged response from Mark Kent, who was the UK ambassador to Argentina until last year, who warned him: “Don’t mix sport with politics.
“In the UK and in Scotland we love the Argentine players and we show our appreciation. We honour Falklands veterans on both sides, You are a shameless populist politician.”
But that prompted a furious reply from the Argentinian government official, who responded: “When your country respects international law, sits at the negotiating table to comply with UN resolutions and ends the shame of colonialism, I may even consider your sports advice.
“If you think that I am a “populist politician” for linking football with the Malvinas, know this – the absolute majority of Argentines do that.”
Forgotten Celtic star ‘proving a sensation’ at loan club amid talk of £8m fee and national call-up
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor
Published 9th Nov 2024, 11:29 GMT
Argentine bizarrely for Brazil call-up
Alexandro Bernabei may be a forgotten man at Celtic but the Argentine is proving such a big hit out on loan that he has been touted for a call-up to the wrong national team.
The 24-year-old left-back moved to Parkhead from Lanus in his homeland for £3.8million in July 2022 and made 28 appearances for the Hoops before drifting out of the first-team picture under Brendan Rodgers last season. He was shipped out on loan to Internacional in March in a deal that is due to expire in January 2025 and has recaptured his form in the Brazilian top flight with three goals and three assists across 20 matches earning rave reviews.
There were even calls for Bernabei to be called up to the Brazil squad – even though he has no connection to the country and previously represented Argentina at Under-23 level – after he starred in a 2-0 win over Fluminese on Friday. Tim Vickery, the South American football correspondent for BBC Sport, wrote on X: “Celtic fans might be interested to know that Bernabei is proving a sensation in Brazil with Internacional. One journo – unaware that he is Argentine – even wanted him to be called up by Brazil.” Asked by one Celtic fan whether the praise for his performances was for attacking or defensive contributions, Vickery replied: “Very attacking – 2 assists tonight in a 2-0 win.”
While a call-up for Brazil is clearly out of the question, Bernabei is believed to be on the radar of Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, according to reports in his homeland.
Brazilian media also state that Internacional want to keep the full-back beyond the end of his loan deal but claim they are being priced out of a permanent move after Celtic set an £8m asking price. Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos has described the fee as “unaffordable” and will instead try to extend the player’s loan for another year. Bernabei is under contract at Celtic until the summer of 2027.
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