Why Kristoffer Ajer would be a perfect fit at Leicester City
According to reporter Nicolò Schira via Football Italia (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City are interested in Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer.
The 22-year-old Norwegian had been a Brendan Rodgers favourite during the Scot’s time as Celtic manager. He is now keen on bringing him to his new side Leicester City. Ajer’s agent had recently announced that his client would be leaving Celtic at the end of this summer.
The report also suggested that the centre-back will not be renewing his current contract at the club which runs until 2022. Meanwhile, Ajer has grown into a key member of Celtic’s squad in recent times since joining them permanently in the summer of 2017.
The young defender has featured in 28 of their 30 league games and has an impressive 13 clean sheets to his name, proving his significance in the current Celtic.
Ajer also played a key role in Celtic’s domestic treble-winning campaign last year, making 45 appearances in total for the Scottish giants.
With his performances on pitch improving with time, it is not a big surprise that Foxes boss Rodgers is once again interested in reuniting with his former player.
Ajer a good future replacement for Leicester veteran Evans
Meanwhile, Leicester have enjoyed a successful spell in the Premier League so far under Rodgers, with the side currently lying an impressive third in the table. One of the reasons for Leicester’s dominant show this season has been majorly due to their excellent defence involving centre-backs Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu.
The two Foxes defenders have been rock-solid at the back, which has seen them emerge as the side with the third-best defensive record in the league. They have conceded just 28 goals from 29 league games and are behind leaders Liverpool (21) and Premier League newcomers Sheffield United (25).
Despite Leicester’s dominant show at the back, Rodgers is aware that his side needs new reinforcements in the side if they wish to stay on top in the days to come. Though Evans still looks strong, he just turned 32 this January and is nearing the end of his career.
That said, a proven performer like Ajer could be an excellent future replacement for the Irishman. Also, they do not have enough back-up in their side, with skipper Wes Morgan and loanee Ryan Bennett being the only other centre-backs.
Morgan is 36 already and way past his prime, while Bennett will soon return to his parent club Wolves when his loan spell ends at the end of this season.
Considering all this, the Foxes could really do with a defender like Ajer and sign him quickly as he could help them strengthen their defence for the future.
Read more:
- Why Leicester City should sell Bartosz Kapustka
- Why Leicester City should sign young Ismail Jakobs
- Leicester signing 22-year-old Arsenal star Kieran Tierney would serve them well if Chilwell departs
Verdict
Rodgers’ Leicester clearly need new centre-backs, with the current set of defenders already past their thirties (apart from Soyuncu). Hence, young Ajer would be a good addition as he can lead their defence in the future. Also, it wouldn’t take him much time to adjust to the new surroundings given his acquaintance with Rodgers in the past.
