Whether it be signing players from Japan, South Korea, the United States or Argentina, it is fair to Celtic have broadened their horizons in the transfer market in recent years. The likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate have been instant hits in Glasgow’s east end after making moves from the far east. Others, though, haven’t hit the ground running as fast as these players have, one of those being Alexandro Bernabei.
Signed from Lanus in the Argentinian top flight last summer, it took young Bernabei a while to get used to life in Scotland and settle into his new club. This was down to a range of factors such as the extreme culture change he had to experience and his family life taking a twist. He has provoked some drama away from the football pitch which is never beneficial but as a person, Bernabei has matured overall at Celtic. This in-depth piece will examine the 22-year-old’s time in Glasgow so far by looking at his off the pitch life and how this has affected his development as a man as well as his performances on the park.
For a mere €4.3m, Celtic were able to secure the services of a little known yet fiery Argentinian full back from Lanus last summer. Prior to joining the Hoops, Bernabei had made 85 appearances for the Argentinian top flight side. A small, vivacious left back who loves to get up and down the wing, he appeared to be an ideal player for previous Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou’s play style. As well as this, his sheer passion for the game and rather fervent side of his personality made him a lovable character among the Hoops’ faithful before he had even joined the club. When he did eventually make the move, though, things didn’t work out for a while.
Initially, the Argentine found minutes hard to come by. Greg Taylor was churning out some hugely respectable performances at left back week in, week out for Celtic at the beginning of the season thus the notion of dropping him and playing Bernabei was rarely thought of. He didn’t make his competitive Celtic debut until the end of August but before that, he already had himself in trouble off the pitch. In their third league game of the season, Celtic defeated Kilmarnock by five goals to nil. Bernabei may not have played in the match but still managed to make the back pages the following day. Out in Glasgow after the game, Bernabei attempted to get into a popular, up market bar in the city centre. He was refused entry, though, and was later arrested and charged with a road traffic offence. He was released after it and got told he had to appear in court at a later date. This date eventually did come around where more was found out about the 22 year old’s offence.