Kristoffer Ajer, born on 17 April 1998 in Norway, is a robust defender known for his central defensive role at Brentford. Standing tall at 6ft 5in (1.96m), and weighing a robust 13st 3lb (84kg), he has become a reliable presence at the back, typified by his number 20 jersey. As a testament to his talent, Ajer also represents his native Norway on the international stage.
Following the figures provided by Transfermarkt, Ajer's current valuation sits around £15.5m. His contract with Brentford is set to run until 30 June 2028.
Ajer started his career at Start in the OBOS-ligaen in Norway as a trainee in January 2014. He quickly advanced through the ranks, making a notable 13 first team appearances and managing to secure a goal in his debut season. Over the course of the following campaigns, he racked up a total of 39 league appearances, scoring an impressive eight goals.
The Norwegian caught the eye of Scottish giants Celtic, resulting in a transfer to the Premiership club in July 2016 for a fee of approximately £750k. Ajer adapted well to Scottish football, improving his performances with each passing season. His time in the Hoops saw him making significant strides, notably making 28 first team league appearances and scoring three goals in the 2019-2020 season and 35 league appearances with two goals the following season.
During his time at Celtic, Ajer had a brief stint at Kilmarnock on loan in 2017 and returned to Celtic the same year. However, it was his performances during his second spell at Celtic that truly set him apart. He delivered consistently and undeniably played a crucial role in many pivotal matches for the club.
With a stellar CV and rising profile, Ajer captured the attention of Brentford, a Premier League club in England. In July 2021, he made the move south for a stately sum of £14m. Since his arrival, Ajer has continued to impress, making consistent appearances for Brentford and even finding the back of the net on a few occasions.
Despite his club commitments, Ajer has shown his dedication to his national side through his involvement in significant tournaments. He featured in the League Cup for Brentford, World Cup Qualifiers Europe and the Nations League for Norway, among others.
