Kristoffer Ajer featured in only 24 Premier League matches last season and would have been hopeful that his situation might improve in the new campaign. However, the early signs suggest that little has changed, leaving the Norwegian defender facing a difficult period at Brentford.
The London club have undergone notable changes during the summer, losing key players and appointing a new manager. For a player of Ajer’s stature and experience, there may have been some expectation of greater responsibility, potentially even the armband. Yet recent events indicate that his role in the squad has diminished rather than expanded.
Left on the Bench Against Nottingham Forest
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Brentford began their new Premier League season at the weekend with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Many Norwegian fans would have anticipated seeing Ajer in the starting line-up, particularly given his experience and leadership qualities. Instead, as reported by [Nettavisen](https://www.nettavisen.no/sport/blytung-premier-league-start-for-brentford-og-kristoffer-ajer/s/5-95-2571451), the defender was left on the bench for the entire match.
This decision was all the more surprising considering Brentford’s defensive struggles during the game, which highlighted areas where Ajer’s presence could have been valuable. The fact that the manager chose not to use him even under those circumstances suggests a lack of trust, raising serious questions about his future at the club.
National Team Implications
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The situation leaves Ajer at a crossroads in his career. Remaining on the fringes of the Brentford squad will inevitably affect his international prospects, as regular playing time is essential to maintain favour with the Norwegian national team managers. With the transfer window still open, he may need to consider a move to secure the minutes he requires both for his club career and for his continued involvement at the international level.
For a defender who has been regarded as a key figure during much of his time at Brentford, the current scenario is a sharp contrast to earlier expectations. Unless his circumstances change quickly, a transfer may be the best option to revitalise his career and ensure he continues to perform at the highest level.