Celtic loanee Albian Ajeti is facing an uncertain future with Sturm Graz having reservations about whether or not to trigger the £2 million option-to-buy clause in the striker’s contract.
As sporting director Andreas Schicker points out, the Austrian Bundesliga outfit still have time on their side as they weigh up their options.
Ajeti is on loan at Sturm Graz. A decision over his future, however, does not have to be made until the end of the current campaign.
“We certainly won’t let ourselves be stressed about it now,” Schicker explains, quoted by Celtic Way.
“We’ll wait for the remaining games in the league, and then make a decision. Until then, we will be in constant contact with his advisor in order to constantly reassess the situation.”
Will Celtic manage to sell Albian Ajeti this summer?
As things stand, Sturm Graz appear to be edging towards sending Ajeti back to his parent club, rather than handing him a permanent contract. According to Abseits, via Sportal, there are concerns at the Merkur Arena about the 26-year-old’s injury record.
Ajeti has missed six games so far this term due to hamstring and muscle problems. Even when fit, the former West Ham benchwarmer has struggled for form. In 18 games across all competitions, Ajeti has scored just four goals.
It’s safe to say, then, that the Switzerland international has fallen short of the sky-high standards set by Rasmus Hojlund. Denmark’s hat-trick hero was a revelation at Sturm Graz last term; Hojlund’s form earning himself a £17 million move to Serie A with Atalanta.
Ajeti, in contrast, would cost as little as £2 million. Less than half the fee Celtic paid West Ham during the summer of 2020. A £2 million sum would still make Ajeti one of the most expensive acquisitions in Sturm Graz’s history. And it’s safe to say he’s doing little to justify such an investment.
Even if Ajeti does return to Celtic, he is unlikely to be offered a fresh start under Ange Postecoglou. Ajeti started only three Scottish Premiership games under the ex-Australia boss in 2021/22.
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