FC Zenit enter race for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer - no offer yet

By John McGinley

June 28, 2021

FC Zenit are interested in signing Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, it has been reported by Russian outlet Eurostravska over the weekend.

Celtic are already said to have rejected two opening £10m offers for the player from Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen, leaving Ajer perplexed.

The Norwegian defender has already admitted he wants to leave Glasgow this summer. He told reporters in his homeland on international duty that there was an initial promise he could leave last year before an agreement was reached to stay on for ten-in-a-row.

It seems inevitable he will leave the Bhoys. As many clubs that enter the transfer race for him the better.

Zenit were previously credited with an interest in Ajer back in 2019.

This latest report from Eurostravska suggests the Russian club are again keen but have yet to table a former offer.

Celtic must hold firm on Kristoffer Ajer value as Zenit enter race

It looks increasingly like anything north of £10m will represent good business on the club’s part. However, they’ll be eager to push that as close to £15m as possible.

There is only a year left on the defender’s contract. But he remains a talent full of elite potential and the club shouldn’t sell itself short.

FC Zenit are the latest to show interest in Kristoffer Ajer / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

In fact, it’s prudent to ensure that there a minimum fee expectancy for players leaving the club, which can help in other negotiations. If we start letting players leave in low-value deals, it’s only going to attract more vultures to our transfer business.

Hopefully, the club can stand as firm as possible. Ajer will just have to remain patient for his exit.

In other news, Moussa Dembele sends class message to Celtic supporters.