Kristoffer Ajer has signed for Premier League new boys after a summer of speculation over his future. Newcastle United were among a clutch of clubs interested in the Norwegian centre-back when it became clear he wanted to leave Celtic. However, as interest increased, so did his price tag, with the Bees the first side to meet Celtic’s valuation. Here’s all the latest Ajer completed a medical before signing a five-year contract, with the deal subject to international clearance.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said: “We wanted to get another central defender in and Kris was our first choice. We think he fits the position-specific profile perfectly, especially on the ball. Kris is very composed and can find the right passes between the lines. His level when bringing the ball forward is very high. As a defender he has the physicality that you need and he won his duels when he played in the Scottish league. He can help us in both boxes, with his strength in the air. He is a player at a good age and we think he (can) come straight in and be ready to perform in the Premier League. But he also fits the way we want to recruit players and work with them. He can develop as a player and both Brentford FC and Kris can move to a higher level in the coming years.”
New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou ‘respects’ Kristoffer Ajer’s wish to leave but has warned the Newcastle United target he will only make the ‘best decision for the football club’. Postecoglou, was asked about the futures of Ajer and Odsonne Edouard at his unveiling last month.
Ange Postecolgou said: “Well, I haven’t spoken to either of them yet so, again, I’ll wait ’till I speak to both of them,” the newly-appointed Celtic manager told reporters. They’ve both just sort of arrived in the country, as have I, and I’ll have discussions with them and we’ll make the best decisions for the football club. That’s where my interest lies. For me, the individuals within that, I totally understand and respect their own wishes but I’ll always make decisions that are in the best interest of this football club because that’s my responsibility. That’s why I’ve been brought in so whatever I think is going to be best for our football club, moving forward, in my area, that’s the direction we will go.”
