---
title: "Celtic: Kristoffer Ajer wants to leave Parkhead"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-kristoffer-ajer-wants-to-leave-parkhead/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-06-05T18:35:08Z"
modified: "2021-06-05T18:35:08Z"
---

# Celtic: Kristoffer Ajer wants to leave Parkhead

**Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has confirmed he wants to leave the club this summer, as reported by [Norwegian journalist Arilas Ould-Saada](https://twitter.com/arilasos/status/1400733868735488001).**

### The Lowdown: A man in demand

Ajer has established himself as a Celtic star in recent years, making [176](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kristoffer-ajer/leistungsdaten/spieler/328658) 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](https://twitter.com/AnthonyRJoseph/status/1400839163306549249). Premier League sides [Newcastle United and Norwich City are interested](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9524729/Newcastle-press-ahead-8m-bid-sign-Celtic-defender-Kristoffer-Ajer-amid-Norwich.html), along with Bundesliga side [Bayer Leverkusen](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/19341516.newcastle-face-competition-bayer-leverkusen-kristoffer-ajer/).

\[freshpress-poll id=”352266″\]

### The Latest: Ajer’s comments emerge

[Ould-Saada](https://twitter.com/arilasos/status/1400733868735488001) 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](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/postecoglou-to-be-confirmed-as-new-celtic-boss-next-week-f3zczfvpd) 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.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”359377″\]

### 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/celtic-glasgow/kader/verein/371/saison_id/2020), with Christopher Jullien currently out [injured](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-injury-update-neil-lennon-23530956).

Welsh, 21, has [22](https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/stephen-welsh/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/403568/saison/2020/wettbewerb/SC1) senior appearances to his name for the Hoops, and even though [Nir Bitton can fill in when required](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nir-bitton/leistungsdaten/spieler/129788), 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](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-hoops-hold-talks-with-rui-faria/).***