Why Celtic should keep hold of Kristoffer Ajer amidst AC Milan interest
According to Calciomercato (h/t The Express), AC Milan have targeted Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer to bolster their defensive unit ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ajer, 21, came through the ranks of Lillestrom SK’s youth academy in Norway and moved to Celtic in the summer of 2017. He has been a regular member of the squad from the second half of his debut season at Celtic Park and has truly established himself in the heart of the defence.
He has been impressive throughout the campaign, featuring in 28 league games while contributing with 3 goals and 2 assists, in the process. His performances have caught the attention of several clubs with Milan keen to sign the young defender, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon’s side have been in devastating form in the past few years and have rightly dominated the Premiership this year too. Despite facing tough competition from Rangers earlier in the campaign, Celtic have managed to outsmart them in the race for the title.
They are currently atop the table, 13 points ahead of their fierce rivals. Star striker Odsonne Edouard has led the attack in fine fashion, netting 21 goals and has also received support form his partner Leigh Griffith upfront.
Same way, the defensive unit has been commendable throughout the campaign, helping the team keep 15 clean sheets in the league. Christopher Jullien, Jozo Simunovic, Kristoffer Ajer and Hatem Abd Elhamed are the only centre-backs available at the manager’s disposal.
While Jullien and Ajer have been regular starters, Simunovic has missed the best part of the 2019/20 season due to an injury. He hasn’t been the same since his return and has failed to break into Lennon’s starting XI. And Israeli international Elhamed has been used rarely by the manager.
Hence, with just two central defenders in form, the manager should make sure that Ajer doesn’t leave the club in the summer amidst interest from the Italian giants.
Ajer is one of the best players in Celtic’s squad at the moment, forming a strong partnership with Jullien. He has been outstanding and could be a crucial player for the team in the future as he is just 21 and has a lot of room for development.
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Verdict
With a lack of depth and quality in their backline, Celtic should not commit a mistake by selling the Norway international that could prove to be costly for the club in their title pursuit next season. He could go on to represent them in the long run, given his qualities and potential.
Therefore, the Hoops must do everything possible to block Ajer’s exit in the summer and keep him at Celtic Park for as long as possible.
