Mark Guidi has been discussing the reports linking Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer with a move to AC Milan on Superscoreboard.
It is being reported that the Italian giants have ‘stepped up their interest’ in the 22-year-old and have been ‘long-term admirers’ of the centre-back (via The Scottish Sun).
The Norwegian moved to Glasgow back in July 2016 from IK Start in a deal reportedly worth £540k (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk) and spent the second half of the 2016/17 season on loan with Kilmarnock.
Ajer played a key role in Neil Lennon’s side this season, starting in 93% of their Scottish Premiership matches, making 28 appearances in total – and Guidi believes the Hoops would struggle to replace him with anybody better.
Speaking on Superscoreboard, he said: “If AC Milan are going to come and buy Kristoffer Ajer, I think Celtic would let him go cheaply. Are you going to replace him with better? I don’t think you are. Why would you let him go? You dig your heels in and you keep him.
“I think if you asked Neil Lennon would he want to lose Kristoffer Ajer just now, considering Simunovic didn’t get a new contract – no, I don’t think you can at this stage.
“Yes, there are financial constraints at the moment and everybody is feeling it, but there is also success to be had.
“Selling Ajer at the moment, no, I don’t think that’s the right move.”
Would you like to see the club hold on to Kristoffer Ajer this summer?
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No
TIF Thoughts…
Ajer, despite his young age, has made 129 appearances for the club to date. He’s a Norway international and we believe given the experience he has already accumulated, there is a strong chance he may continue to develop.
Guidi questioned whether or not Celtic would be able to replace him with somebody better, and if they were to sell him for anywhere near to his market value of £2.43m (as per Transfermarkt), he perhaps has a point.
However, should the Hoops receive a fee closer to their own reported valuation of £20m for the player, Ajer’s sale may then be worth consideration. Judging by his current status in the team, it could be argued that Celtic have a big decision to make over the defender this summer.