The time is right for Kristoffer Ajer to leave Scottish Premiership giants Celtic, former Norway international Kjetil Waehler told VG.
Whether the giant defender agrees with his compatriot, we will have to wait and see.
But, with just one year left on his contract, Celtic may have no choice but to listen to offers when the transfer window opens; regardless of whether or not Ajer plans to stick around.
The Hoops cannot afford to lose a player of Ajer’s ilk on a free transfer. And this summer feels like their last chance to sell one of Europe’s most talented young defenders for a sizeable sum.
AC Milan and Leicester City have been linked on a number of occasions.
The Mail, however, reports that Newcastle United have joined the race, although a purported £8 million bid would not be enough to buy Ajer’s left leg.
Celtic value the one-time Kilmarnock loanee at closer to £35 million.
“I think he would have been challenged more on the defensive (side of the game) if he went to a league that is better than the Scottish one,” said Waehler, the former Goteborg and Valerenga man.
“He has done very well at Celtic but has not faced the same challenges defensively as they do in the best leagues.”
Waehler is not the only man in Norway encouraging Ajer to consider his future, five years after he moved to Glasgow under Ronny Deila.
Stale Solbakken, head coach of the Norwegian national team, has made it clear that he feels the 22-year-old needs to test himself in a more competitive environment.
It is unlikely Solbakken was referring to the second-tier of English football, however. If Newcastle really want Ajer, they need to stave off the impending threat of relegation.
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