Celtic recently secured the futures of James Forrest and goalkeeper Scott Bain as both of them recently went down to pen a new contract at the club. The Hoops must keep their crucial players on long term contracts given the riches of the other league as that allows Lennon to get the best possible price for his players.
The manager recently went on to indicate that the club is looking to tie down two more players in the coming weeks. Callum McGregor and Kristoffer Ajer have been crucial to the Celtic team, and Lennon wants their futures secured as well.
Lennon on his plans for McGregor and Ajer
Lennon recently said (Daily Record), ”We’re talking to one or two players, so hopefully, we can get those contracts over the line soon. Callum is one of them, he’s an important player, and it would be good to get him tied down too. It’s important to have your core, and the core players here have been outstanding for the last three seasons.”
”Kris Ajer is one we might look at. He’s played nearly all the games since I’ve been in and I’m very happy with him as well. These players are obviously assets too, and there will be admirers out there, no question, with the way they are playing.”
Ajer attracting interest from some of the top clubs
Ajer has recently attracted attention from the likes of Leicester City, Manchester United and AC Milan. Therefore Celtic will face a fierce battle to keep the 21-year-old for long at Parkhead. The Norwegian has been the mainstay at the back and his ability to move the ball forward, and his defensive attributes make him a standout asset.
The new contract might not prevent him from leaving the club, but that would ensure that Celtic could get the best price for him. McGregor too is the mainstay in the middle and his ability to move the ball forward and create chances for his team in the attacking third make him one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Good move by Lennon?
McGregor has come up from Celtic’s academy, and there are more chances of him staying at the club for the next few years atleast. However, Ajer could be on the move in the future, given that he is only 21 and is attracting interest from some of the top leagues of the world. Lennon had indicated earlier that Ajer is worth over £15m and if Celtic can get him on a new contract, then that would put the club in an excellent position to negotiate his best price. It would undoubtedly be a good move if the Hoops can get both Ajer and McGregor on new deals.
