Outgoing Alexandro Bernabei insists he “changed his attitude” to revive his career in Brazil with a big-money Celtic exit reportedly agreed.
It has been a window dominated by left-back rumours for the Premiership leaders so far with Kieran Tierney in talks over a return from Arsenal while Greg Taylor is understood to be keen to extend his stay in Glasgow’s east end despite entering the final six months of his contract. But it’s forgotten man Bernabei that looks set to make the first move of January with reports in Brazil claiming a sale to Internacional worth £5million has been rubber-stamped.
Ole claim that an initial fee of around £4.5m has been agreed after Benabei was named the best left-back in Brazil last season – which could rise to £5m with add-ons. It would mark a notable profit for Celtic after they brought the player in from Lanus for £3.75m in the summer of 2022.
Speaking to the same outlet about the move, Bernabei insists he has changed his attitude to revive his career in South America after struggling to make his mark in Scotland: “I changed my attitude, my desire to improve every day when it was my turn. I had the best with my teammates and I never stopped learning.
“The full-back position is a position that is highly regarded in Brazil. Coming to the Brazil helped me a lot because of the way of playing with the ball, with full-backs who are very high up. The vast majority of full-backs attack.”
Luis Palma also looks to be on his way out of the club after failing to impress Brendan Rodgers this term. The Honduran has made just 10 appearances in all competitions this season – and has been linked with a move to Genoa.
The Serie A side could be made to wait on an deal with Celtic reportedly looking to recruit another wide man before allowing Palma to leave with James Forrest sidelined through injury. But Genoa boss Patrick Vieira appears relaxed over a deal.
Asked about their January business, he said: “It is a period where there will be many rumours about players arriving and leaving and we will have to manage it calmly and with confidence, in the club, with the director and with the president. I am very calm about the group that I have at my disposal to work with. I understand the demand in this period, but my focus is on the team and not on the individuals who leave or arrive”.
Elsewhere, the path has been cleared for Stephen Welsh to join KV Mechelen on loan. Dane Murray has now been brought back from loan at Queen’s Park and he would also satisfy the homegrown rule for Europe.
Record Sport previously revealed that could spark a domino effect for Welsh as he looks to ramp up his game time. Welsh has come through the Celtic ranks but at 24 feels he needs regular top-level football. KV Mechelen have been trailing him since the summer and are ready to give him that opportunity.