Lazio Enquire About Wantaway Ajax Defender

Lazio have reportedly added another name to their defensive shortlist in Josip Sutalo, who could be on his way out of Ajax in the coming weeks.

The Biancocelesti have already signed a new centre-back this summer, acquiring Danilho Doekhi on a free transfer. However, another addition is required, as Mario Gila was sold to AC Milan, while Alessio Romagnoli could still leave, with Atalanta keen to reunite him with Maurizio Sarri. Moreover, Samuel Gigot and Patric are still struggling with fitness, leaving the department short-staffed.

In recent days, Standard Liege defender Ibe Hautekiet emerged as a serious candidate. Lazio would likely have to pay the 24-year-old’s €5 million release clause to bring him to Rome. However, another name has now surfaced on the scene.

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Aquile have enquired about Sutalo, whom Ajax expect to leave before the end of the summer. The 26-year-old still has two years left on his contract, and the Amsterdam-based giants have set their asking price at €12-13 million in addition to bonuses.

The source adds that the Croatian has already turned down two proposals from the Middle East (including one from Al-Hilal), while Benfica are said to be interested in his services. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Lazio can find a breakthrough on this track, knowing that they will likely offer Ajax a loan with an option to buy, as they currently lack the resources to buy the player outright.

Sutalo is a Dinamo Zagreb youth product who went on to become a pillar at the club before he was sold to Ajax in the summer of 2023 for €20 million. The defender has been a regular starter for the Dutch giants and has also become a stalwart for the Croatian national team, earning 37 caps since making his senior debut in 2022.

Josip Sutalo shouldn’t be confused with former Atalanta and Hellas Verona player Bosko Sutalo. Both men are 26-year-old Croatian defenders and even played side-by-side at Dinamo Zagreb for a while, but they are not related.