Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Celtic defender Kristoff Ajer, as they look to replace the departed Dejan Lovren in the squad.
The Reds sold Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg for a fee of £10.9million, and are yet to sign a centre-back to replace the Croatian. Although Liverpool have dipped their toes in the transfer market to sign Kostas Tsimikas, they might need to rope in another defender.
A report by Liverpool Echo claims that Ajer is attracting Liverpool’s interest, and might be on the move after refusing to extend his contract with Celtic earlier this year. Serie A side AC Milan are also reportedly interested in the centre-back.
The report also claims that Celtic will only sell Ajer for a fee of £20 million, so it remains to be seen if Liverpool will fork out that kind of fee for a 22-year old, considering they have been linked with a swoop for Thiago Alcantara as well (h/t Mirror).
Kristoffer Ajer to Liverpool – Is he worth the fuss?
Still only 22, Kristoffer Ajer has developed well at Celtic, and is perhaps an example of a typical modern-day centre-back.
The Norwegian is technically proficient, and has been a key player for Celtic, a possession-based side. His ability to maraud forward a la Joel Matip, has earned him so many rave reviews, and his passing, and distribution are equally immaculate.
Ajer completed an average of 0.8 dribbles last season in the Europa League, and 1.3 the season before, which are excellent numbers for a centre-back. The Norway international is also pretty quick for a centre-back, and that could hold him in good stead during the attack to defence transitions. (Stats via Whoscored)
You could describe him as a ball-playing centre-back, but there are aspects of his game that can improve.
Defensively, his tackling needs a bit of fine-tuning, as he does have the tendency to put in a few rash challenges at times. However, he is still only 22, and tackling and intercepting the ball is one aspect that defenders gradually learn with more time and experience.
Liverpool like keeping the ball, and their style of play would suit Ajer. If chiselled the right way, Ajer could turn into a top centre-back, as he is still young and has shown a lot of potential. A backup role would be good for the player, so he can slowly be integrated into the playing XI and become a first-choice defender in the longer run.
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