Losing Odsonne Edouard is not Celtic’s biggest worry in the summer

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Celtic manager Neil Lennon substitutes Odsonne Edouard of Celtic during the William Hill Scottish Cup second semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park National Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Celtic manager Neil Lennon substitutes Odsonne Edouard of Celtic during the William Hill Scottish Cup second semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park National Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

While transfer rumours have swirled since last summer regarding the inevitable departure of one of Celtic’s biggest stars in the form of Odsonne Edouard, in recent months there has not been as move news regarding the possibility of another integral piece of the squad departing at the end of the season as well.

Kristoffer Ajer has been a massive asset defensively for the Hoops since his arrival in Glasgow, with 166 appearances for the side and growing into one of the most important members of this squad.

With less than two years remaining on his Celtic contract and having thoroughly proven his value to the side in recent years, the 22-year-old Norwegian defender could be looking to depart the club this summer with big clubs ready to make a move, according to the Daily Record.

With star striker Edouard not having extended his contract with the club, it appears ever more likely that he will pursue a move away over the coming months, likely bringing a significant transfer fee to the side. While the Frenchman’s loss would obviously be massive to the club in terms of losing a consistent goalscoring threat, losing a defender as stout as Ajer could potentially impact the side far worse, considering their issues at the back.

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Kristoffer Ajer leaving would be a massive blow to Celtic

Celtic fans have seen the side struggle at times defensively throughout this campaign, especially with Shane Duffy truly struggling to come into his own ever since moving to Scotland. But Ajer has still maintained his individual form for the most part and been a lot more consistent than others.

Losing him without a solid replacement plan could set the club back even further in their pursuits for success next season.

After Frimpong’s exit to Germany especially, the side should work more than ever to retain a young, promising defensive talent in Ajer to help bolster their back line, who has the ability to play at both centre-back and right-back.