Daily Record journalist Gordon Parks has been talking about Kristoffer Ajer and has addressed his situation at Celtic Park.
Parks was recently a guest on the Record Celtic podcast and there was a discussion about many Celtic players and the club’s plans in the transfer market. The journalist also went on to talk about Ajer and revealed that Celtic could be willing to sell the Norwegian if a club pays the money for him.
In recent weeks, Ajer has been linked with a move away from Parkhead. As per CalcioMercato, Milan are said to be looking at him and so are Leicester City. The same report also mentioned interest from Real Madrid and French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
While talking about the rumours linking Ajer with a Celtic exit, Parks said: “I think he’s a player that’s done really well. I think he’s progressed and I think he’s developing into a top talent but there’s options there.”
Have we seen the last of Ajer in a Celtic shirt?
Yes, he's leaving
No, he's staying
Parks went on to clarify Celtic’s stance on Ajer and what they would do if offers come in from other clubs.
He said: “I think if somebody’s going to come in and spend crazy money to try and get him, then Celtic are the club that takes that cash. They don’t make a secret of the fact that it’s all about trying to become that selling club. Bring in diamonds, polish them, get them moved on.”
He then revealed that there is a chance the Hoops end up parting ways with the former Start man. Parks said: “That’s just the way Celtic live now. and especially now more than ever. If somebody’s prepared to come in and put the cash up, you bite their hand off.”
It seems as if Celtic are only waiting for the opportunity to let Ajer go on certain terms. As mentioned before, clubs are interested, and with Milan hunting for a potential partner for Alessio Romagnoli, they could certainly come in with an offer.
TIF Thoughts…
While the interest is certainly there, it is key to note that Ajer is Celtic’s ninth-most valuable player currently. He was a regular in the 2019/20 campaign for the Hoops, having made 49 appearances in all competitions.
Some months ago, Ajer’s former agent made it clear in an interview with Norweigan TV agency NTB (via Sporten) that his client will not sign a new deal and would leave in the summer. However, since then, Ajer has found himself new representatives.
Whether that’s a positive sign or not is anyone’s guess, but one thing is clear – Ajer’s future at Celtic is still uncertain. And going by how much of a regular he is, the Norwegian will be a big loss for the Hoops.