Rodgers hinted he may allow the Celtic youngster to leave on loan. Should Birmingham, Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday consider a move?
Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie
The Daily Record reported last week that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was considering allowing Kristoffer Ajer to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window.
As the 18-year-old has only made one appearance for the Hoops’ first-team since his summer arrival, it would surely be in his best interests to seek first-team football elsewhere as it seems unlikely, given the team’s current form, that he will be able to force his way into Rodgers’ plans during the coming months.
But while Ajer is yet to win the Northern Irishman over, the youngster boasts plenty of attributes that should ensure that his availability puts several Championship sides on alert.
With that in mind, here are three second tier sides that should arguably look at the Norwegian as a potential target.
Queens Park Rangers
QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
While Massimo Luongo has been very impressive for Queens Park Rangers this term, the man who has played alongside him in a holding midfield role has been disappointing. Karl Henry’s form suggests that he is starting to struggle in the Championship so Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink could certainly do with another option in that area of the pitch. With Luongo showing plenty of leadership currently, Ajer’s inexperience would arguably not be that much of a problem.
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal
If Ajer was to join Sheffield Wednesday, there is no question that he faces a considerable task trying to break into the first-team, but he could certainly be a very useful squad player as the Owls look to replicate, and surpass, last season’s achievement. With Vincent Sasso struggling to make an impact since his return to the club while Glenn Loovens has not been at his best this season, Ajer’s presence could help get the best out of Tom Lees and Sam Hutchinson.
Birmingham City
Birmingham’s manager Gary Rowett
Of the three teams, Birmingham arguably have the thinnest squad at their disposal. And while the Birmingham Mail reported that the club’s new owners are playing to invest heavily in the upcoming window, they will surely appreciate the potential value of bringing a player of Ajer’s talent in on loan. At both centre-back and defensive midfield, they will surely need extra depth if they hope to remain in the top six, and Ajer’s arrival would see the squad strengthened in both positions.
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