Lazio announced on Thursday that they have secured the sporting rights to Croatian international Josip Sutalo on a season‑long loan from Ajax. The Italian club will pay a €3 million fee for the 2026‑27 campaign and retain an option to make the move permanent for an additional €7.5 million.
Background and Recent Form
Sutalo arrived in Amsterdam in the summer of 2023 after Ajax paid €20.5 million to Dinamo Zagreb. Over the past three seasons he has become a regular fixture in the Ajax back line, logging 76 Eredivisie appearances and 108 matches across all competitions. His performances earned him a place in the Eredivisie Team of the Season for 2024‑25, highlighting his rise as one of the league’s most reliable centre‑backs.
At 26 years old, the defender also boasts 37 caps for Croatia, including appearances at the 2026 World Cup in Canada. His international experience adds a valuable dimension to a Lazio side that is looking to tighten a defence that has shown vulnerability at times.
The Deal Details
Italian reports indicate that Lazio will remit €3 million to Ajax for the loan, with a future purchase clause set at €7.5 million. The agreement is for a single season, after which the club can decide whether to activate the option based on Sutalo’s adaptation and performance. No other financial terms were disclosed by either club.
What Sutalo Brings to Lazio
Sutalo’s strengths lie in his composure on the ball, aerial ability and disciplined positioning. During his time at Ajax he averaged a passing accuracy of over 85 percent and contributed three goals, showing a willingness to join attacks on set pieces. His defensive record includes an average of 2.3 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game in the Eredivisie, figures that suggest he can help Lazio improve their defensive solidity.
Fit Within the Squad
The defender becomes Lazio’s fourth first‑team signing of the summer, joining midfield dynamo Davide Frattesi, versatile defender Danilho Doekhi and attacking wing‑back Alfonso Pedraza. With Doekhi already operating as a left‑centre‑back, Sutalo offers a right‑footed option that could allow the coach to rotate the back four without sacrificing quality. His experience at a club that regularly competes in the Champions League may also prove valuable as Lazio aim for European qualification.
Financial Perspective
The €3 million loan fee is modest compared with the €7.5 million purchase option, representing a low‑risk investment for a player who has already proven himself at a high level. If Sutalo adapts quickly, the permanent fee could be considered a bargain for a defender of his calibre, especially given the inflation in the transfer market over the past few years.
Looking Ahead
Lazio will integrate Sutalo into pre‑season training next week, with the expectation that he will be ready for the Serie A opener in late August. Fans will be watching to see whether his presence can help the club tighten a defence that conceded 55 goals last season, a figure that placed them well outside the top‑four spots.
Overall, the loan with an option to buy gives Lazio flexibility while providing Ajax with a guaranteed return on a player they developed for three seasons. The move underscores Lazio’s intent to reinforce the spine of the team ahead of a competitive campaign.
Sutalo is a shrewd acquisition for Lazio; the loan fee is low and the buy‑option is realistic for a defender who can instantly raise the back line’s quality. If he adapts, the permanent deal will look like a steal.
Tactically, Sutalo gives Lazio a right‑footed centre‑back who can pair with Doekhi or replace him, allowing more flexibility in a back‑four that struggled last season. Strategically, the deal signals Lazio’s willingness to spend wisely while targeting a top‑four finish.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Lazio will pay €3 million for the season‑long loan.
Yes, Lazio can trigger a €7.5 million option to make the transfer permanent.
Sutalo has earned 37 caps for the Croatian national team.