The exit of Dedryck Boyata must have handed Celtic a significant blow, but the club were sharp to react and roped in Christopher Jullien from Toulouse as his successor in the heart of the backline. Filip Benkovic returned to Leicester City upon completion of his season-long loan stint, and the Hoops secured the services of Israeli international Hatem Abd Elhamed to restore the parity.
According to Italian media outlet TMW, young sensation Kristoffer Ajer has been in AC Milan’s shortlist over a potential summer switch. The 21-year-old Norwegian has become an integral part of Celtic’s defensive set-up, and Neil Lennon had reacted to the rumours ahead of the weekend encounter against St Johnstone.
Ajer has been labelled as a cheaper alternative to Milan’s prime target Dejan Lovren who, however, is valued at around £15m by Liverpool. Lennon, meanwhile, rates him much higher than the £15m valuation and is unlikely to sanction a transfer even if the Serie A giants come up with a fascinating offer. He would instead prefer to extend the defender’s contract and believes the youngster has a lot to offer at Parkhead in the forthcoming future.
“He has been outstanding and we have high hopes for him. Kris wants to improve, he is a regular international now and you have to remember how young he is at times.
“There will be a mistake from time to time, but his consistency has been excellent.
“Physically, he is very good and there is a real maturity about him.”
Revealed the gaffer while discussing the future of his defensive stars Ajer, Jojo Simunovic and Kieran Tierney (as quoted by the Daily Record).
Why Celtic Must Keep Hold Of Ajer This Summer
The Norway international joined the Bhoys as a ‘number 10’ but was later shifted to deep defence due to his strong physique and aerial supremacy. Rodgers promoted him as a first-team regular to cope up with injury woes, and the former IK Start attacker turned out to be a defensive gem with his matured and composed display. He has made 71 senior appearances so far for the champions of Scotland and is touted to be pivotal in Celtic’s battle to defend their silverware.
What Does He Add To Celtic’s Game
Ajer was a success under Rodgers due to his ball-playing ability, holding and passing attributes along with dribbling traits. He is calm, tries to be in the right place at the right time, reads the game well from the back and has developed a leadership skill over the past couple of years.
Lennon, meanwhile, prefers a more traditional approach with no-nonsense clearances and counter-attacking football. The defence needs to be nippy to execute the same successfully, and Ajer must get more attuned to it to enhance his skills furthermore.
