Norwich City insider claims Celtic man Kristoffer Ajer is "well down the track" on potential move

By Euan Davidson

June 24, 2021

Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer is “in the building” at Norwich City, according to a club insider.

Paddy Davitt, editor of the club’s website, and a well-connected Norfolk journalist, has made the claim. The Norwegian defender had been heavily linked to Newcastle United. However, it seems the Canaries, returning to the top flight once again, are in pole position.

Davitt said:

In recent days, Ajer had been heavily linked to both Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. Ball-dominant teams in the Bundesliga surely hold some appeal for the roving centre-back. However, it seems that Norwich City are the ones leading the hunt for Kristoffer Ajer.

No price has been confirmed as of yet. But in Billy Gilmour and Kristoffer Ajer, the Canaries are getting two seriously talented players. A perennial ‘yo-yo club’, City will be desperate to add substantial quality to their ranks in order to stay up. The loss of Emiliano Buendia, for a club record £33m [BBC], will be a blow. However, it does give them options to spread talent out across their squad.

Is Norwich City the right landing spot for Celtic man Kristoffer Ajer?

While Daniel Farke is an excellent coach, and the Canaries have a talented squad, this strikes me as a risky move for both parties. Ajer, for all his positives, has struggled against ball-dominant teams in a Celtic shirt. His performances in Europe, particularly AC Milan and Sparta Prague, were extremely concerning.

Kristoffer Ajer; excellent for Norway / (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

He doesn’t quite have the aerial physicality to challenge effectively in the air on a regular basis. While his tackling, reading of the game and passing are superb, that only takes you so far in the Premier League. Like it or not, Norwich will be ceding plenty of possession, and teams will have their chances against them.

This isn’t to talk him down; he’s a potentially excellent player. It just seems he has better options.

People will consider the example of Gary Hooper. In a team where he had plenty of touches and shots at goal, he excelled. In the Premier League, with Norwich City, that wasn’t the case. It was a pivotal moment in his career, and he had better options; namely remaining at Celtic.

Ajer could be taking a huge gamble here. It’s a very difficult environment, and possibly one he’ll excel in. But when Bundesliga giants are knocking at your door, I know where I’d rather go.

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