Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is edging ever closer to another trophy in his distinguished career in Glasgow. Following an impressive 6-0 victory over Aberdeen at Hampden Park, Rodgers and his team have secured a spot in the League Cup final where they will face off against Rangers. This final presents an exciting opportunity for Rodgers to add another trophy to his collection, one that has eluded him since his return to Parkhead.
Taking the helm at Celtic in 2023 after the departure of Ange Postecoglou, Rodgers had big shoes to fill following the Australian’s successful tenure at the club. Postecoglou made a significant impact during his time at Celtic, particularly in the transfer market where he unearthed gems like Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi, both of whom saw their values skyrocket under his management.
While Postecoglou’s transfer successes are well-documented, there were also some missteps along the way, with one notable example being the underperforming Alexandro Bernabei. Signed for £4m from Lanus, Bernabei struggled to make an impact at Celtic, leading to his loan move to Internacional. Recent reports suggest that Rodgers has no plans to bring Bernabei back into the fold and that the club is now looking to offload him in the upcoming transfer window to recoup some of their initial investment.
The decision to part ways with Bernabei underscores the challenges that managers face in the unpredictable world of football transfers. It serves as a reminder of the fine margins between success and failure in the transfer market and the importance of making the right decisions when it comes to player recruitment. As Rodgers and Celtic prepare for the League Cup final against Rangers, they will be aiming to not only claim silverware but also to continue building a squad capable of sustained success in Scottish football.
