Why Leicester City must make a move for Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer
Back in October 2019, The Daily Mail had claimed that Leicester City had scouted Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer and were planning to sign him in January. However, no deal materialized last month.
Kristoffer Ajer, 21, is a promising young central defender, who has established himself as an important player for Celtic. The Norway international has progressed well for the Hoops since his move from Start to Celtic Park in 2016. He has been a mainstay in Neil Lennon’s side this season, racking up 46 appearances across all competitions.
With Ajer enjoying an impressive season in the Scottish Premiership, helping Celtic to the top of the table, Leicester City must rekindle their interest in the defender when the summer transfer window starts.
The Foxes are in a position of strength as far as the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League is concerned. They have coped well with the departure of Harry Maguire to Manchester United last summer, with Caglar Soyuncu stepping up to the plate. Soyuncu and Jonny Evans have formed a strong partnership at the back, with Leicester only conceding only 28 goals in 28 games.
However, there is a lack of depth in the Foxes’ central defence unit. Brendan Rodgers did manage to sign Ryan Bennett on loan from Wolves in January but with Wes Morgan, 36, in the final stages of his career and Filip Benkovic currently out on loan at Bristol City, the Midlands club’s need for options at the back next season is evident.
That being said, Kristoffer Ajer looks like a fine young talent in the right age bracket who could possibly have a big part to play for Leicester next season.
Ajer is still young for a centre-back but his talent and potential have been there for everybody to see. Leicester boss Rodgers worked with the Norwegian when he was the manager of Celtic, and described the Norwegian as a “natural leader” in July 2018, as quoted in The Daily Record.
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At such a young age, Ajer has solid experience in Scottish football having played 126 times for the Hoops. The 21-year-old played a crucial role during Celtic’s treble ‘Treble’ season where he played 45 times across all competitions. The 14-cap Norway international can also operate as a defensive midfielder, so his versatility would add a lot of value to Rodgers’ Leicester side.
Verdict
As Ajer has performed consistently over the last couple of seasons with Celtic, Leicester signing the defender in the summer could pay off handsomely for their long-term plans moving forward under Rodgers.
