Norway manager urges Kristoffer Ajer to seek a move from Brentford

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·10. Juni 2025

Norway manager urges Kristoffer Ajer to seek a move from Brentford

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has urged former Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer to seek a move to a new club, amid rumours of a Celtic return…

Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion at Brentford Community Stadium, London, England on 11 September 2021. Photo: Carlton Myrie

This advice follows a season in which the 27-year-old made only three appearances in central defence for Brentford. Solbakken believes Ajer should feature more often in his preferred role and therefore feels a move away from the English Premier League side would be beneficial.

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The Norwegian manager made his comments following their Friday night 3-0 victory over Italy, where the former Celtic player played the full match at centre-back.

‘He can be a very good and stable centre-back’

Speaking to Sport Witness, Solbakken said: “He can be a very good and stable centre-back, and he was today, but he has to change clubs. He cannot play right-back in every third game if he is to be a proper, safe and good centre-back. Because he has all the prerequisites.

Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on April 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“I think Ajer would have been better suited to playing centre-back in another league. He has had some tough injuries in England. He will never be a super right-back, at the same level as he is as a centre-back. At the age he is now, I think he is allowed to put his foot down. You can’t be a ‘cover’ right-back at his age now.

‘Many people get angry with me when I say things like that’

“Many people get angry with me when I say things like that publicly, but I think we should be a little honest about it. Not that I’m going to interfere with Brentford selling him, but he’s at an age and is a type of player who can develop into a very stable, good defender at a high level.”

Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer of Celtic celebrate with the trophy following the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Hampden Park on December 08, 2019. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Rumours of a Celtic return for Ajer

Rumours have been swirling around potential interest from Brendan Rodgers when the transfer window opens officially in the coming days.

During his five years in Glasgow, Ajer picked up nine domestic honours including playing a pivotal role in securing a Treble Treble and Quadruple Treble across Rodgers’ initial tenure and Neil Lennon’s second spell in charge.

Conor Spence