Kristoffer Ajer has penned a new contract at Brentford through to the summer of 2028.
The Norway international has played 12 games in all competitions this season for Thomas Frank’s side and has clocked up 50 appearances for the club since his transfer from Celtic in the summer of 2021.
Ajer has featured in 10 Premier League matches for Brentford this season — a total that eclipses his tally from last campaign, which was heavily disrupted by injuries.
“I’m very pleased that Kristoffer has extended his contract,” said Brentford head coach Frank upon confirmation of Ajer’s new deal.
“During his first two seasons with us, he was very unlucky with injuries; he never got that rhythm or run of games.
“Now he is playing regularly at centre-back and right full-back and I think he plays both of those positions at a very high level.
“Kristoffer has shown consistency and quality in this recent block of games, which I’m pleased about.
“He has made good improvement in his aerial ability in both boxes, and we know he has great quality on the ball. He is so quick to recover during defensive transitions.
“Kristoffer is getting better and better. He is working hard to realise his potential and we are excited that he will take those next steps with us.”
💬 Kristoffer Ajer on his new deal
“It’s fantastic. Brentford is a family club that I’m really attached to – the head coach, staff and players. I love being here, so it was a really easy decision for me”
We love having you here, Kris ❤🤍#Ajer2028 pic.twitter.com/r08zZE4IGj
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) November 21, 2023
Brentford boost on defensive stalwart
Analysis from The Athletic’s Brentford correspondent Jay Harris
Ajer joined Brentford in July 2021, for a then club-record fee of £13.5million, ahead of their debut season in the Premier League. The central defender started their first six matches and made a crucial goal-line clearance in a 3-3 draw with Liverpool. However, he struggled for consistency during the rest of the campaign due to a persistent hamstring injury.
The Norway international struggled with his fitness last season too and was limited to only nine appearances. Ajer benefited from a full pre-season and has been superb for Thomas Frank’s side over the last few months. With Aaron Hickey ruled out until next year with a hamstring injury, Ajer has grasped the opportunity to become first-choice right-back.
The 25-year-old’s marauding runs have become a useful weapon for Brentford and he provided an assist for Bryan Mbeumo in a 3-0 victory over west London rivals Fulham in August. He man-marked Marcus Rashford superbly in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last month. Frank has admitted Ajer has shown his best form for Brentford recently and this long-term contract is a reward which reflects his growing importance.
GO DEEPER
Why Raya can’t face Brentford on Saturday despite cup availability
(Photo: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
