Ajer signs new deal and credits Killie for helping

Kristoffer Ajer signed a new four-year deal with Celtic and admitted his progress had been quicker than expected.

The 20-year-old Norwegian joined the Glasgow club from IK Start in July 2016, primarily as a midfielder, and was sent out on loan to Kilmarnock the following January where he played as centre-back. He returned last summer and has been a regular in the Celtic rearguard since December.

Ajer played an integral part in helping Brendan Rodgers’ side secure a seventh consecutive Ladbrokes Premiership title, with the prospect of an unprecedented successive domestic treble when they face Motherwell in the William Hill Scottish Cup final at Hampden on Saturday.

“I am really delighted to sign a new deal for this massive club and get the opportunity to develop even more,” said Ajer, who has two Norway caps. “It all about development and getting better every single day. I have to admit that things have happened a little bit quicker than I expected.

“I feel I have developed really well over the last year and the half-year spell I had at Kilmarnockwasreallyimportant for me. I played all the games there and it helped me a lot.

“I am learning every day, and still learning my role. As a 20-year-old you need to look atdevelopmentandthereisno better place than Celtic. The last six months have been fantastic and hopefully I can continue to develop in the same way. It is a big thing to get a four-year deal and hopefully there is even more to come.”

Ajer is looking forward to the chance of making history with Celtic at the weekend.

He said: “It is a really exciting time now to go for the double treble, which is a goal for us. It would mean a lot to me and to the rest of the club.” Aberdeen have confirmed the departure of three players on freedom of contract, while a further six have returned to their parent clubs after the expiry of their loan deals.

There is, however, a new two-year contract for goalkeeper Danny Rogers, while manager Derek Mcinnes confirmed that talks were still ongoing with defender Anthony O’connor.

The three leaving are Nicky Maynard and Kari Arnason, both signed during last year’s summer transfer window, and youngster Daniel Harvie, who made three appearances over the course of the season.

They head to the exit door along with six loan players.