Albian Ajeti has admitted that he still retains hope that he will once again play for Celtic. The Swiss striker is on loan with Austrian side Strum Graz after signing a season-long deal in the closing stages of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old has made a good impression, scoring three goals in his first three games and is looking to regain his confidence after an injury-plagued two seasons in Glasgow.
Speaking to Football Scotland, Ajeti appeared hopeful that he may return to Celtic after his loan deal expires.
“Listen, you never know. I still have two years contract there at Celtic.
“I will try and get as much game time here as possible and score as many goals as possible, staying healthy obviously. Then we will see what happens at the end of the season.”
In 2020, Ajeti enjoyed a blistering start under Neil Lennon but injured his hamstring against Hibs. In 2021, the same injury struck the striker against Real Betis, just as he looked to get himself involved in the team. With Kyogo established as the club’s first choice striker then, Giorgos Giakoumakis stepped up and looked to challenge the Japanese striker with the pair vying for game time.
Strum have an option to buy on Ajeti, should the striker continue to perform. This would suggest that Celtic have already made a decision on the player. Although, should he continue to impress in Austria, the player may even earn himself a move somewhere else.
Having signed from West Ham in the summer of 2020, Ajeti was tipped to rediscover his form from Basel. Although, in 48 appearances, he has scored just 9 times assisting five times in that period. There have not been many links in recent weeks relating to moves for the Swiss Internationalist. As a high-wage earner, the club will be keen to get Ajeti off the wage bill.