Celtic’s £5m Bernabei Deal Takes FIFA Twist as Internacional Reportedly Fail to Pay

Celtic’s sale of Alexandro Bernabei looked like a tidy piece of transfer business when the Argentine left-back completed his permanent move to Internacional.

Now, however, the financial side of that deal has taken an unexpected turn.

Reports from Brazil claim Internacional have fallen behind on instalments owed to Celtic for Bernabei, with the situation potentially heading towards FIFA intervention.

That should immediately command Celtic’s attention.

Internacional reportedly behind on Celtic payments

Bernabei joined Internacional permanently in January 2025 after rebuilding his career during an impressive loan spell in Brazil.

The Brazilian club committed to a deal reported at €5.5million, with a further €500,000 potentially payable in bonuses.

Bernabei had struggled to establish himself as Celtic’s first-choice left-back after arriving from Lanús in 2022, but his performances in Brazil transformed his value.

The permanent sale therefore appeared to represent excellent business for Celtic.

There is now an important complication.

Brazilian journalist Alexandre Ernst has reported that instalments connected to the transfer are not being paid and that Internacional expect the Bernabei case could lead to a notification from FIFA.

At present, there has been no confirmation that Celtic themselves have formally opened proceedings with FIFA, while the precise amount reportedly outstanding has not been disclosed.

That distinction is important.

Celtic must protect the value of the deal

The wider financial situation surrounding Internacional makes the Bernabei development particularly interesting.

Reports in Brazil indicate the club is dealing with substantial transfer liabilities and separate cases involving money owed to other clubs.

For Celtic, the position should be straightforward: whatever money is contractually due must be collected.

Bernabei’s departure was one of those relatively rare transfers where Celtic managed to recover strong value from a signing who had failed to become a regular starter in Glasgow.

Allowing him to establish himself in Brazil before agreeing a permanent transfer helped protect his value rather than selling him cheaply after his difficult spell at Celtic Park.

Sell-on clause could become significant

There is another element Celtic supporters should keep an eye on.

Reports surrounding the transfer have stated that Celtic retained a sell-on interest in Bernabei.

That could become valuable if the 26-year-old earns another significant move in the future.

Bernabei has established himself in Brazilian football since leaving Scotland, meaning Celtic potentially retain an interest beyond the money agreed when he moved permanently to Internacional.

First, however, the existing agreement has to be honoured.

If instalments are indeed overdue, Celtic will expect the money they are contractually entitled to receive.

A transfer which originally looked like the end of the Bernabei story at Celtic could therefore have another chapter still to come.