Kristoffer Ajer has been urged to leave Brentford if he wants to get his career back on track. The former Celtic defender has struggled to hold down a regular place at the English club and has often been played out of position.
Ajer joined Brentford in 2021 after five successful years at Celtic, where he won every domestic trophy multiple times. He played 176 games for the Bhoys and became a key part of the team that won the treble-treble. His move to the English Premier League brought in a reported fee of £13.5 million for Celtic.
In his first season in England, Ajer played 28 matches and looked to be settling in well. But since then, he’s had a tough time with injuries. When he has been fit, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has often used him as a right-back instead of in his natural position at centre-back.
Now, Norway boss Ståle Solbakken has spoken out, saying Ajer must move to another club, and even another league, if he wants to be taken seriously as a top central defender.
He said: (NRK), “He can be a very good and stable centre-back, and he was today, but he has to change clubs.
“He cannot play right-back in every third game if he is to be a proper, safe and good centre-back. Because he has all the prerequisites.
“I think Ajer would have been better suited to playing centre-back in another league.
“He has had some tough injuries in England. He will never be a super right-back, at the same level he is as a centre-back.
“At the age he is now, I think he is allowed to put his foot down. You can’t be a ‘cover’ right-back at his age now.”
Solbakken’s comments will come as a strong message to Ajer, who played less than half the possible minutes for Brentford last season. While he has been praised for his work ethic and attitude, his current situation doesn’t seem to be helping his career or international chances.
Celtic fans will remember how Ajer went from being a midfielder to a top defender during his time in Glasgow. He was strong on the ball, good in the air, and helped drive the team forward. At just 27, he should still have his best years ahead of him, but only if he’s playing regularly in the right position.
There could now be a big decision to make this summer. If Brentford can’t offer him a starting role at centre-back, Ajer might need to look elsewhere. Solbakken’s comments suggest he would have the backing of his national team if he took that step.
A return to Celtic Park would certainly catch the eye. With Brendan Rodgers in charge once again and the Hoops expected to strengthen at the back, Ajer knows the club, the demands, and the expectations. If the door were open, it could be a move that suits both sides.
