If a report from The Glasgow Times is believed to be true, Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race for in-demand Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer. The young Norwegian has not penned a new contract beyond next summer and the Hoops, therefore, are likely to accept an offer over losing him for nothing a year later.
Meanwhile, the Bundesliga big boys have already raided the Hoops earlier this year. They roped in Jeremie Frimpong during the winter window, and a move for Ajer might see the defensive duo reunite at Bay Arena. Die Werkself have bid farewell to the Bender Brothers (Lars and Sven), and the void left by the famous German pair needs to be filled with long-term successors.
This must be a big blow for Norwich City and Newcastle United, particularly the latter, who have been keen on the 23-year-old for quite some time.
Interest from Leicester City and AC Milan has made the transfer battle a bit more exciting, and the growing popularity of Ajer is now a blessing in disguise for the Hoops as they would welcome a bidding war to maximise the financial gain from his potential departure.
Big Blow For Celtic Despite The Monetary Profit
Although Leverkusen are yet to open talks with the Hoops, Ajer’s entourage has met the German giants already in order to be on the same page before the North Rhine-Westphalia side tables an offer. The former midfielder is now with the Norway squad for the World Cup qualifiers, and his starting status in the heart of the backline depicts how he developed his defensive attributes over the years.
Despite the emergence of Stephen Welsh midway through the previous term, Celtic would struggle to replace the ‘treble’ treble winner. His supremacy in the air, composure, game-reading traits and ball-playing ability allowed the then-boss Brendan Rodgers to convert Ajer as a centre-back. He never had to look back ever since.
The mayhem continues at Parkhead over the appointment of a new manager. A mass exodus is expected as well to reconstruct the squad and the defensive line, in particular, needs significant strengthening as they would lack depth as well as quality following Ajer’s departure. Moreover, the versatility of the Norway international can’t be replaced straight away, and the club must find a route to reclaim their lost glory to avoid more misery in the coming days. Things are falling apart at Celtic due to the transfer mistakes made in the recent past.
