Alexandro Bernabei is now Celtic’s number one left-back target with The Athletic claiming that Francisco Ortega is a back-up option while talks for Mohanad Jeahze have stalled.
Well, at least it shows passion. That’s one way of looking at it.
In what could be his final appearance for Argentine outfit Lanus, Bernabei channelled his inner-Zinedine Zidane. And, by that, we don’t mean that he pinged a 25-yard volley into the top corner. We mean he planted his forehead on an opposition player.
Aggression is no bad thing on a football pitch. Controlled aggression, that is. Clearly, Ange Postecoglou will be looking to curb Bernabei’s penchant for self-destruction if or when the highly-rated 21-year-old ends up at Parkhead this summer.
Alexandro Bernabei is Celtic’s top left-back target
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are hoping to secure Bernabei’s signature for a bargain £2 million, even if Lanus value him closer to £4 million. The Hoops have already had a bid rejected but are unlikely to give up so soon, having seemingly installed Bernabei as their top target over a host of other left-backs.
The Athletic believe that Francisco Ortega, who also plies his trade in Argentina for Velez Sarsfield, is currently a back-up option. Iran international Jeahze, meanwhile, appears to have gone by the wayside after talks with Swedish outfit Hammarby hit the buffers.
Erick Otieno has also been linked, though those rumours were scotched recently.
“What is interesting about (Bernabei) is, the first time I was watching him, he was playing higher up the field as a left winger,” South American expert Tim Vickery tells Sky Sports.
“He has got that capacity to get into the penalty area and score goals. Nice left foot, good with set pieces, quick, interesting.
“And again, you wonder if he is going to get rolled over physically, but this to me looks like an intelligent piece of scouting because I’m a sucker for a left foot. It just opens up the field so much if you have someone with a good left foot like he has.”
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