RB Leipzig link shows Newcastle could sign a top quality player in Kristoffer Ajer – opinion

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Newcastle have been linked with a summer move for Kristoffer Ajer, but now they reportedly face competition from RB Leipzig.

According to Fussball Transfers, the Bundesliga side have listed the defender as a possible signing this summer.

Leipzig are in need of centre backs, with Ibrahima Konate heading to Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano joining Bayern.

The report states that their number one target is Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix. However, they are also interested in Celtic’s Norwegian defender.

It looks like Newcastle’s pursuit of Ajer won’t be as straightforward as it seemed.

It was even reported last month that the Magpies were on the brink of signing the 23-year-old for just £6million.

One month on and we’ve seen no pictures of Ajer in a Toon shirt, while more clubs have reportedly became interested.

Norwich had already been named as a possible destination, but then Bayer Leverkusen entered the conversation.

That seemed like a blow for Newcastle, with Leverkusen capable of offering Europa League football.

Now things become even more difficult with a Champions League team keen.

Leipzig interest says a lot about Newcastle target Ajer

Even before Leipzig’s interest, Ajer looked like he could be a wonderful signing for Newcastle.

But the fact that the 2020 Champions League finalists are reportedly keen speaks volumes about the defender’s ability.

Leipzig are trying to replace two exceptional centre-backs. They sold Upamecano to Bayern for around £36million, while Konate has gone to Liverpool for a similar fee.

The Bundesliga side have a very distinct style. They play high energy football, with a full XI of players comfortable in possession.

If Leipzig are interested in Ajer, they must believe he is capable of replacing one of their departing centre-backs. They must have confidence in his ability as a ball-playing centre-back.

That’s the kind of centre-back we need if we are going to continue playing 3-5-2.

While the change in system helped massively, things could have been even better if we had defenders who were comfortable in possession.

A lot of the time our three centre-backs were Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett. You wouldn’t name passing as any of their strongest assets.

Leipzig are often smart in the transfer window, scooping up some of Europe’s best young talent.

If Newcastle can sign Ajer despite their reported interest, they will have pulled off a real coup.