Celtic have been told they are making the right call sending Alexandro Bernabei back to South America with the £4 million left-back expected to join Brazilian outfit Internacional.
HITC Football understands that, with today the final day of the Brazilian transfer window, Celtic’s seldom-seen Argentine has jetted out across the Atlantic as he closes in on an initial loan move away from Parkhead.
Alexandro Bernabei is not part of Brendan Rodgers’ long-term plans. And with Celtic looking to free up funds to bring in Caoimhin Kelleher – the Liverpool ace their number one pick to replace the retiring Joe Hart – the Scottish Premiership champions will not stand in Bernabei’s way despite a lack of cover in the left-back spot.
Alexandro Bernabei on his way out of Celtic
“I’m probably happy that he is going,” McGinn, the Celtic-supporting former Dundee, St Mirren and Hibernian man tells Go Football Radio.
“When I look at Alexandro Bernabei – and this seems really harsh – but I looked at what they scout in terms of a left back. And you look at, first of all, the size. Immediately you point to the size and think he’s very, very small for a defender.
“Then you think he must be really talented on the ball. (But) he’s very inconsistent on the ball. Sometimes he has a good cross, sometimes he doesn’t. The games he’s just played for Celtic the ball breaks down with him in possession quite a lot.”
Considering that Rodgers’ side tend to dominate the ball against a deep block domestically, Bernabei’s lack of technical qualities – in comparison to fellow left-back Greg Taylor – has further damaged his hopes of more regular minutes, with McGinn also expressing concerns over the £4 million signing’s defensive awareness.
Bernabei was even labelled a ‘disgrace’ by Celtic legend John Hartson after Kilmarnock pilfered a last-gasp equaliser against the Glasgow giants recently.
Liel Abada is also leaving Parkhead
“He’s quick but he’s not super quick. He can’t defend his back post, he’s not good in the air as we’ve seen with the goal he lost recently,” McGinn adds, backing an 18-year-old Scotland youth star to benefit from Bernabei’s exit.
“Within the building, you look at guys like Mitchel Frame. He must have attributes better suited to play for Celtic? I expect Anthony Ralston, or Mitchel Frame or Liam Scales to be used for cover.”
HITC Football understands that Liel Abada is also set to leave Celtic. MLS outfit Charlotte FC are signing the winger for around £10 million. The club’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper, meanwhile, could lead Celtic in the direction of Turkey international Ugurcan Cakir should Kelleher prove to be too expensive.
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