Alexandro Bernabei yesterday joined Brazilian top-tier side SC Internacional on loan from Celtic until the end of 2024.
It was a move that seemed to develop rather swiftly, with Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers not a fan of the Argentinian left-back. To sanction his departure mid-season says a lot about what the boss thinks of Bernabei.
Indeed, the departure of the 23-year-old does leave Rodgers few options at left full-back. Greg Taylor is guaranteed to start if fit although should the Scotland internationalist suffer another injury setback like he did a few weeks ago, Celtic are in the dumps.
There are no other senior left-backs now in the team other than Taylor meaning Anthony Ralston would likely deputise in the 26-year-old’s absence. Liam Scales could play there, but that has yet to transpire this season and the manager seems unlikely to switch his position given the faith he has in him at centre-half.
The other alternatives come from the academy in Mitchel Frame and Magnus Mackenzie. The former does have first-team experience having played versus Feyenoord in the Champions League, but Rodgers brought him on at left-wing that night.
Throwing young Frame, or Mackenzie, in between now and the end of the season would be somewhat of a wildcard from the manager although if injury strikes once again, it could be a case of needs must.
While the departure of Bernabei does run the risk of calling upon someone like Ralston or Frame at left-back during a crucial title run-in, it is best for him and his development as a player that he leaves if the manager doesn’t rate him.
Despite winning a treble, the South American defender didn’t make the desired impact in Glasgow and it doesn’t look like he has a long-term future at Celtic.
