Report: Newcastle won't meet Celtic valuation for Kris Ajer

By David Walton

July 13, 2021

Newcastle are refusing to match the £20m Celtic valuation for centre-back Kris Ajer, according to the Northern Echo.

The North East-based newspaper states that Steve Bruce had been hoping to sign up Ajer all summer. However, they had been hoping to sign him for less than half of the £20m Celtic want.

The Echo cites two rejected offers for Ajer from Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen for £10m. It had also been reported earlier in the week that we rejected a £12m bid from Brentford that could’ve risen to £15m [Scottish Sun].

And it looks as though Newcastle’s pursuit of Ajer has also stalled due to Celtic’s high demand. This is all despite the fact the Norwegian is into the final year of his contract in Glasgow.

The Cynic journalist Christian Wulff, meanwhile, has claimed that Ajer is furious with the Celtic management for how they’ve dealt with his future over the last two months. It’s stated that he feels there’s been broken promises combined with a lack of professionalism from the club.

Newcastle verdict won’t make Celtic sell Kris Ajer for any cheaper

Firstly, I think Celtic are right to ask for as much as £20m for Ajer. Given his title-winning, European, and international experience, he’s a massive asset to this football club. We can’t allow ourselves to be robbed just because he’s into the final year of his contract.

However, at the same time there is another side to the story. If there have been broken promises towards the player, then that’s a massive concern.

Nobody is privy to what those potential promises may be. It could be a change in transfer valuation or a promise to sell him to an EPL side for example. If Celtic have reneged on a promise, then it doesn’t bode well for Ajer’s commitment should we hang onto him.

Yes, he’s a massively talented player. Yes, he’s our best centre-back, and yet if we can get away with keeping him we should do all we can to do so. But if Ajer is fuming with the club, why would he bother giving 100% in the coming weeks? Especially when he could bag a move in January for nothing?

The Hoops need to try and work out what would be best for all parties. Newcastle turning their back won’t make us rush back to the table with a lesser valuation. But pressure from Ajer on the football club could easily change things again.

If we do indeed sell this summer, don’t be surprised if it’s much less than £20m.

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