In a move sure too delight fans, Sport Club Internacional has secured the permanent transfer of left-back Alexander Bernabei from Celtic.The deal, initially reported by Gaúcha Zero Hora and confirmed by ESPN, marks the culmination of a successful loan spell for the Argentine defender.
the Colorado faithful can expect to see Bernabei donning the red jersey for the foreseeable future, as the club reached an agreement with Celtic on Thursday. The transfer fee is set at €4.5 million, approximately R$28 million at the current exchange rate, with the potential for an additional €500,000 in performance-based bonuses.
Bernabei is anticipated to arrive in Porto Alegre early next week to undergo medical examinations and finalize his contract with Internacional.
The Argentine’s impact on Internacional was undeniable during his loan stint. Arriving in March, he quickly became a key player, making 25 appearances and scoring three goals, contributing significantly to the team’s strong finish in the 2024 Brasileirão.
bernabei’s remarkable performances earned him the prestigious ESPN Bola de Prata Aposta Ganha award as the best left-back in the Brasileirão. This achievement marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Argentine left-back to win the award as Juan Pablo Sorín in 2000 while playing for Cruzeiro.
Bernabéi’s Brazilian Breakthrough: A Chat with Former Internacional Star, Zé Roberto
This week, Sport Club Internacional made headlines by securing left-back Alexander Bernabéi from Celtic on a permanent transfer. The Argentine defender impressed during his loan spell, earning the prestigious ESPN Bola de Prata Aposta Ganha award – a historic achievement for an Argentine left-back. To get an insider’s perspective on this exciting progress, I sat down with former Internacional star and renowned Brazilian midfielder, Zé Roberto, to discuss Bernabéi’s impact and what this move means for the Colorado faithful.
Me: Zé Roberto, welcome! It’s an honour to have you. Bernabéi’s arrival has certainly sparked excitement amongst Internacional fans. What are your initial thoughts on this permanent deal?
Zé Roberto: It’s fantastic news. I’ve been following Bernabéi’s progress since he arrived on loan,and he’s exceeded expectations. He’s a talented young player with a shining future, and securing him permanently is a real coup for Internacional.
Me: Absolutely! His performances were exceptional, earning him the Bola de Prata Aposta Ganha, the first Argentine left-back to achieve this since Juan Pablo Sorín back in 2000. What impressed you the most about his game?
Zé Roberto: He’s a dynamic player, full of energy and pace. His attacking contributions are significant, as evidenced by his three goals.But what’s even more impressive is his defensive solidity. he reads the game well, makes crucial interceptions, and rarely gets caught out of position.
Me: Exactly, and this versatility is crucial in today’s game. Some might argue that €4.5 million is a hefty price tag for a player relatively untested at the highest level. Do you think it’s a worthwhile investment?
Zé Roberto: In football, you’re always taking calculated risks. However,based on what I’ve seen,Bernabéi is worth every penny. He’s already proven himself to be a key player for Internacional, and at only 23 years old, he has tremendous potential for growth. This coudl be a transformative signing for the club.
Me: It feels like Internacional is realy building somthing special. With a talented young player like Bernabéi committed to the cause,
do you think this could be the year they challenge for major honours like the brasileirão title?
Zé Roberto: They certainly have the potential. The team plays attractive, attacking football under their coach, and Bernabéi’s addition strengthens an already impressive squad. It won’t be easy – the Brasileirão is a fiercely competitive league – but Internacional has all the ingredients to be right in the mix.
What do you think?
Do you agree with Zé Roberto’s assessment of Alexander Bernabéi’s arrival at Internacional? Is €4.5 million a justified investment? Could this be the season Internacional challenges for the top spot in the Brasileirão?!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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