A number of Celtic players have been linked with a summer move away from the club in recent months. And it is not hard to see why considering the season that the club have endured, and the fact that a number of them are entering the final year of their contracts. One such player is Kristoffer Ajer.
The Norwegian has arguably been one of the most consistent players for the club this season despite featuring in a defence that has struggled throughout the course of the campaign. And with his contract set to run out in the summer of 2022, the Hoops might have to let him leave despite the lack of centre-back options at Parkhead.
As reported by The Herald, Celtic value him at around £12 million. Also, Norwich City appear keen on the defender after sealing promotion to the Premier League but the fee could be a sticking point.
Of course, that is not the £25 million that Ajer was once believed to be valued at around not too long ago but that is understandable considering the fact that he will have only a year left on his contract when summer rolls around.
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Celtic will need to replace Ajer
When or if Ajer ends up departing Parkhead, the club will have to find a suitable replacement for him. He has been the best centre-back at the club this season.
With Shane Duffy’s loan deal coming to an end at the end of the campaign and Christopher Jullien also expected to miss the start of next season due to his injury, the club must go after another centre-back in the summer.
Otherwise, Stephen Welsh might be the only recognised centre-back at the club come the start of next season, with Nir Bitton capable of playing there if needed.
Now, the question is, will clubs be willing to shell out £12 million for Ajer? He is certainly a player with the ability to justify that kind of a transfer fee. But you never know in the current financial climate.