Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer put in an excellent display in the 1-0 victory against Aberdeen on Saturday.
In John Kennedy’s first game as caretaker manager, the Norwegian international was instrumental in helping keep a clean sheet as the Hoops secured a narrow win.
With Ajer’s contract running down, and with reports linking the 22-year-old with a move away from Parkhead in the summer, fans on Twitter have been talking about the defender’s future at the club:
Best player this season
— 9inarow?????????????? (@northamptontim) February 27, 2021
No way he’s staying.
— TJ Art (@tonyarthur9560) February 27, 2021
He wants to play in a better league against better teams nothing to do about money
— daniel lee (@Dannyleeo4Lee) February 27, 2021
He’s playing for the shirt unlike the majority of most, can only improve
— Gavin James (@Gamcna) February 27, 2021
Next captain for me. Unfortunately, think he’s off 1st chance he gets
— Jim Morrison (@JimMorr69466010) February 27, 2021
If he’s one pushing to leave, why would he change his mind, we cant offer the money.
— UNMANNEDDAVE (@unmanneddave) February 27, 2021
No point keeping a player that doesn’t want too be there, he’s upping his game for a move in the Summer.
Cash in… He’ll fetch a decent price.
— joebhoy (@joebhoy1971) February 27, 2021
Final months of his Celtic career. Simple as that. £25m player.
— Donegal Bhoy (@POSearcaigh) February 27, 2021
I said it in a earlier post, the first decent offer and he’ll be sold
— Rhab haw (@RhabP) February 27, 2021
Ajer has certainly been one of the club’s most consistent performers in recent months, while other players have struggled for form. The centre-half has struck up a decent understanding with Stephen Welsh and they barely gave Dons forward Florian Kamberi a sniff all afternoon.
With the likes of AC Milan tracking the Norwegian, though, it will be very tough to persuade him to stay. After the match, Kennedy said the player is not currently focused on contract talks:
“Kris isn’t overly thinking about his future. For him it’s just about giving his best wherever he is. I’ve no doubt that there will be interest in him. He’s still very young and he’s an international player.”
Those comments do indicate that Ajer is not likely to stay and Celtic may have to offload him in order to ensure they get a decent transfer fee with his current deal expiring in 2022.