Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has confirmed he wants to leave the club this summer, as reported by Norwegian journalist Arilas Ould-Saada.
The Lowdown: A man in demand
Ajer has established himself as a Celtic star in recent years, making 176 appearances, and his displays in Scotland appear to have caught the eye across Europe.
AC Milan held a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old which ended recently. Premier League sides Newcastle United and Norwich City are interested, along with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
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The Latest: Ajer’s comments emerge
Ould-Saada was one of the first to share the news posting ‘Ajer confirms that he wants to leave’ – a seven-word admission which could leave likely new boss Ange Postecoglou in trouble.
He also shared Ajer’s comments, with the defender saying:
“With one year left of my contract, that would be the best solution for me and my club. Something is going to happen this summer.”
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The Verdict: Postecoglou will need more than one new centre-back
Should Ajer get his wish and seal a move away from Celtic Park, Postecoglou, should he make the move to Glasgow, may well have an immediate issue on his hands.
Stephen Welsh would be the club’s only fit senior centre-back on the books, with Christopher Jullien currently out injured.
Welsh, 21, has 22 senior appearances to his name for the Hoops, and even though Nir Bitton can fill in when required, you’d expect more than one new centre-back would be required ahead of the 2021/22 season.
It looks set to be a busy summer in terms of recruitment at Parkhead, and strengthening their defensive ranks could now be high up on the club’s plans following Ajer’s comments.
In other news: Hoops hold talks with possible Postecoglou alternative, find out more here.
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