West Ham are once again being linked with Ajax defender Josip Sutalo, as reported by Hammers News.
The club is said to be considering a move in the region of £20 million for the Croatian international, potentially making him the third Ajax player to head to East London in recent windows after Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus.
Sutalo Back on the Radar
According to Hammers News, Sutalo is among several defensive targets being looked at as Graham Potter looks to reshape the squad. The 24-year-old made the switch to Ajax from Dinamo Zagreb last summer, with money from the sales of Alvarez and Kudus helping to finance the deal.
Croatian Football (@CroatiaFooty on X), referencing ESPN, has also claimed that Ajax would be willing to sell him for a fee of over €25 million. Although pleased with his progress, the Dutch side are reportedly open to cashing in if the right offer comes in. West Ham are said to be one of the clubs keeping close tabs.
Familiar Face from the Past
West Ham’s previous interest in Sutalo reportedly dates back to their Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, where the defender caught the eye. Since then, other clubs have taken notice too. Football Italia reports that Juventus considered Sutalo as an option after missing out on Jean-Clair Todibo to the hammers previously.
That interest seems to have resurfaced. Italian outlet Old Juve recently linked Juventus with a renewed push for Sutalo, while also connecting the Serie A side with potential interest in West Ham’s own Nayef Aguerd.
Defensive Shake-Up Incoming?
Graham Potter is aiming to bring in between three and six new players during this transfer window, reports Hammers News. His wish list includes a striker, a goalkeeper, a full-back, two midfielders and a centre-back. Sutalo is one of the names being considered for that centre-half role.
However, a top transfer source quoted by Hammers News says Manchester City’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be Potter’s preferred choice in that position.
Meanwhile, West Ham are believed to be listening to offers above £7 to 8 million for Konstantinos Mavropanos, which could point to further changes at the heart of defence in the coming weeks.”
