Kristoffer Ajer has penned a new contract with Brentford until 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 move from Celtic in the summer of 2021.
Ajer has appeared in 10 Premier League games for Brentford this season — a total that surpassed his tally from the previous campaign, which was severely hampered by injuries.
“I am very happy that Kristoffer extended his contract,” said Brentford head coach Frank when confirming Ajer’s new deal.
“In his first two seasons with us, he was unlucky with injuries; he never got the rhythm or flow of the games.
“Now he plays regularly at centre-back and right full-back and I think he plays both positions at a very high level.
“Kristoffer has shown consistency and quality in this recent block of games, which I am happy about.
“He has made great progress in his aerial ability in both boxes, and we know he has good quality on the ball. He recovers very quickly during defensive transitions.
“Kristoffer is getting better and better. He has worked hard to realize his potential and we are excited for him to take the next steps with us.
💬 Kristoffer Ajer on his new deal
“It’s very nice. Brentford is a family club that I love very much – the head coach, staff and players. I love being here, so it was an easy decision for me”
We love having you here, Kris ❤🤍#Ajer2028 pic.twitter.com/r08zZE4IGj
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) November 21, 2023
Brentford have built up a solid defense
Analysis from The Athletic’s Brentford correspondent Jay Harris
Ajer joined Brentford in July 2021, for a 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 for the rest of the campaign due to a persistent hamstring injury.
The Norway international also struggled with his fitness last season and was limited to just nine appearances. Ajer has benefited from a full pre-season and has been excellent for Thomas Frank’s side over the past few months. With Aaron Hickey out until next year due to a hamstring injury, Ajer gets the chance to be the first-choice right-back.
The 25-year-old’s marauding runs have been a useful weapon for Brentford and he provided an assist for Bryan Mbeumo in a 3-0 win over west London rivals Fulham in August. He marked Marcus Rashford well in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last month. Frank admits that Ajer has shown his best form for Brentford recently and this long-term contract is a reward that shows his growing importance.
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