Kris Ajer dropped for Norway after management urged him to leave Celtic

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Celtic superstar Kris Ajer has been dropped from the Norway team to face Gibraltar tonight in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Norwegians are looking to get off to a fast start in what looks like a tricky group against the likes of Turkey and the Netherlands. They undoubtedly will against the lowly Gibraltese, but Ajer would’ve expected to play a major role in the contest.

It comes days after Norwegian boss Stale Solbakken urged him to leave Celtic and better himself. Norway assistant Brede Hangeland has also encouraged him to leave Parkhead in private phone calls with the Hoops star [VG].

And it looks as though Solbakken has reinforced that message on the pitch tonight. Ajer has been bombed out whilst Bodo Glimt defender Marius Lode has taken his place.

It’s a massive blow for Kris, who would’ve hoped to get off to a flyer tonight. Fellow Celtic man Mohamed Elyounoussi is in the team and starts in his natural position at left-wing.

Is Kris Ajer being forced by Norway management to leave Celtic?

Speaking to popular Norwegian outlet TV2, pundit Jesper Mathisen said: “It is a surprising choice, but an understandable choice considering who we meet.

“I think it may have something to do with the fact that they are not completely happy with his club life (Ajer). At the same time, he has played for Celtic while Bodø/Glimt has had a fine season. It will be exciting to hear Stale Solbakken’s reasons for this choice.”

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Ajer will likely leave Celtic in the summer. He’s into the final 12 months of his contract next season and could talk to clubs for nothing next January.

The only way Celtic are going to command a decent fee for him is if he leaves at the end of the season. That’ll likely be in Ajer’s mind, and any pressure from his international coaches won’t exactly be helping our own cause.

It’ll be interesting to see if Kris is back in the fold for Saturday’s game against Turkey. Given tonight is an easy contest vs Gibraltar, it remains to seen if Solbakken keeps Ajer out for more competitive matches. If he does, it’s a major sign that something isn’t right.

You wonder what Ajer is supposed to do differently though. He can’t exactly leave club immediately. He needs to wait until the transfer window opens. And considering he’s been replaced tonight by a defender who plays his domestic football in Norway, his direct rival is hardly playing at a better level than he is.

Regardless, expect Ajer to leave in the summer in any case.

In other news, this Celtic star’s nightmare season has gone from bad to worse.