Ajax to sign Josip Sutalo from Dinamo Zagreb

Josip Sutalo is on the verge of joining Ajax from Dinamo Zagreb for around €20 million, according to Johan Inan.

The Amsterdam giants are in the market for defensive reinforcement after losing Calvin Bassey and Jurrien Timber this summer.

Sutalo broke through from Dinamo Zagreb’s academy after joining them in 2014 and made his senior team debut in 2020. He has since become an integral part of their squad.

The 23-year-old has made 74 appearances for Igor Biscan’s side.

Last season, Sutalo made 27 appearances in the Croatian league and helped them keep ten clean sheets while winning 55% of his duels.

He made six appearances in the UEFA Champions League, recording one shutout and winning 66% of his battles.

The Croatian international has earned eight caps for the national team and was part of Zlatko Dalic’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He could now become Ajax’s sixth summer signing.

The record Eredivisie champions have signed Carlos Borges from Manchester City ahead of West Ham United and goalkeeper Diant Ramaj to replace the retiring Maarten Stekelenburg. 

Also, they have picked up Benjamin Tahirovic, Jakov Medic, and free agent Branco van den Boomen.

Ajax have faced criticism for their sluggishness in the market, especially after losing stars like Dusan Tadic, Timber, Bassey, and Florian Grillitsch.

They might still lose more players, with Brighton & Hove Albion pushing to sign Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian also has interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.

Interestingly, there were links between Arsenal and Sutalo, but they have since added Timber and are done with defensive signings in the transfer market.

RB Leipzig reportedly considered him to replace countryman Josko Gvardiol, but Die Roten Bullen are in advanced talks to sign Castello Lukeba.

Sutalo will now head to the Eredivisie, hoping to continue his development and carry his success from the Croatian league to a bigger stage.