Kristoffer Ajer left Celtic back in the summer of 2021 to join Brentford in a £13.5 million deal, which saw the Parkhead powerbrokers make a killing on his transfer to the English Premier League club. Ajer, who signed for a modest sum under Norwegian coach, Ronny Deila, saw himself farmed out on loan initially to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, only to come back a man ready for first team duty.
Having been bought as a midfielder and even played up top as a striker for IK Start, the big Scandanavian was used at centre-back by Brendan Rodgers, who saw in him the potential to be a fantastic, modern central defender. He went on to enjoy unparalled success under the guise of the ex-Liverpool and Swansea City boss, becoming our defensive rock at times.
The writing had been on the wall with Kris for some time as a clutch of clubs registered their interest in him the year of his ultimate departure from Celtic Park to the riches of England. The towering defender served three weeks under Ange Postecoglou and saw the greatness in the man who led Celtic to a League and Cup double last season after he had moved on.
Speaking to the Celtic View Podcast, the Brentford man admitted that he will be tuning in to the match this Sunday as the Hoops face off against their fierce rivals theRangers for the Viaplay League Cup. He said: “I watch almost every game so a Cup final on Sunday with Celtic and (the)Rangers I will definitely be watching. I’m not surprised at all. I only had three weeks with Ange but I could tell already by then that he would be a massive success. The way Celtic are playing, the way Callum [McGregor] is leading, I’m so happy for him as well.
“He’s one of the most hard-working players I’ve ever met so he deserves everything he’s getting now. Everyone is just performing, they had some players that’s been there a long time and they had some players that really gets what it means to play for Celtic so I’m just very happy for everyone.
Ajer added: “The guys here at the training ground are sick of hearing me talking fondly about my time at Celtic. I absolutely loved it. It was five amazing years. I came as an 18-year-old boy. I was very insecure and didn’t speak any English. I signed as a No10, developed well, learned so much from so many spectacular players and good managers. To win nine trophies was amazing for such a massive club.”
Paul Gillespie
