By Football News Desk
Published: August 25, 2026
The summer transfer window has brought another important change to Josip Šutalo’s career, with the Croatian international defender leaving Ajax for a season-long loan move to Italian side Lazio.
The transfer, officially confirmed by Ajax on August 22, will see Šutalo spend the 2026/27 season in Rome. The agreement runs until June 30, 2027, and Lazio have an option to make the transfer permanent. Šutalo remains under contract with Ajax until June 30, 2028.
For Ajax, the deal represents a temporary separation from a defender who arrived in Amsterdam with significant expectations.
For Lazio, it is an opportunity to add an experienced centre-back without immediately committing to a permanent transfer.
For Šutalo himself, however, the move could be even more significant.
At 26, the Croatian is entering an important stage of his career. He has already experienced the pressure of playing for one of Europe’s most historic clubs, represented Croatia at international level and accumulated more than 100 appearances for Ajax.
Now he has another challenge.
Italy.
Serie A.
Lazio.
And a new opportunity to demonstrate exactly what kind of defender he can become.
The move has therefore generated plenty of discussion among football supporters, particularly because Šutalo’s time in Amsterdam has been a mixture of promise, difficult periods, injuries, improvement and considerable responsibility.
His departure is not simply another transfer.
It is potentially the beginning of the next chapter of his career.
Ajax and Lazio Reach Agreement for Šutalo
The basic details of the transfer are straightforward.
Ajax and Lazio reached an agreement for Šutalo to move to the Italian club on loan for the 2026/27 season.
The loan officially runs until June 30, 2027, while Lazio have an option to purchase the defender permanently. Ajax’s official announcement did not disclose the value of that option.
Lazio also officially confirmed that Šutalo had joined the club on a temporary basis with an option for a permanent transfer.
That distinction is important.
The move is currently a loan, not a permanent transfer.
Therefore, there are two possible outcomes.
The first is that Šutalo performs well in Rome, convinces Lazio that he should remain at the club and the Italian side exercises the purchase option.
The second is that Lazio decide not to make the transfer permanent, meaning Šutalo could return to Ajax after the loan period.
That uncertainty gives the defender an entire season to influence the decision with his performances.
And that may be exactly what he needs.
The End of One Ajax Chapter
Šutalo’s move to Lazio marks the end, at least temporarily, of his Ajax adventure.
He joined the Amsterdam club from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2023.
Ajax had invested heavily in bringing him to the Netherlands, believing they were acquiring a centre-back capable of becoming an important part of the club’s defensive future.
The defender arrived with an impressive reputation.
He had already established himself at Dinamo Zagreb.
He had experience in European competition.
He had earned recognition with Croatia.
And he possessed several characteristics that made him attractive to Ajax.
At 190 centimetres, Šutalo offers physical presence at centre-back.
He is comfortable defending space.
He can play out from the back.
And he has experience operating in systems that expect defenders to contribute to possession.
But adapting to a new country and a different footballing environment is never automatic.
Ajax’s expectations are enormous.
Every mistake is analysed.
Every poor performance becomes a talking point.
Every defensive error can quickly become a headline.
Šutalo experienced that reality.
His beginning in Amsterdam was difficult.
But his story did not remain there.
From Dinamo Zagreb to Amsterdam
Before Ajax, Šutalo’s development was strongly connected with Dinamo Zagreb.
Croatia has long been capable of producing technically gifted footballers, and Dinamo Zagreb has played a major role in developing many of the country’s best players.
Šutalo emerged through that environment.
His performances eventually attracted attention beyond Croatia, and Ajax ultimately decided to bring him to Amsterdam in 2023.
The move represented a significant step.
Ajax is not merely another club.
It is one of European football’s most historically influential institutions.
The club has a famous philosophy based around technical football, youth development, attacking principles and possession.
For a centre-back, that environment can be demanding.
Defenders are often expected to do more than simply defend.
They need to understand positioning.
They need to make accurate passes.
They need to recognise when to step into midfield.
They need to defend large spaces when the team pushes forward.
And they need to remain calm under pressure.
For Šutalo, that meant adapting quickly.
The transition was not always smooth.
A Difficult Start in Amsterdam
Šutalo’s early Ajax period was complicated.
The defender arrived with expectations, but Ajax were themselves going through a difficult period.
The club experienced instability both on and off the pitch, meaning players were often operating in an environment where consistency was difficult to establish.
For a new signing, that can be particularly challenging.
A defender needs a reliable structure around him.
Centre-backs need to develop understanding with one another.
They need to know when their partner will step forward.
They need to know who covers behind them.
They need confidence in the goalkeeper.
They need a stable tactical system.
When those things change frequently, individual defenders can become exposed.
Šutalo experienced that.
His performances were heavily scrutinised, and the pressure surrounding his transfer fee added another layer to the situation.
But it is important to remember that football careers are rarely defined by one difficult season.
Players develop.
Managers change.
Tactical systems change.
Confidence changes.
And Šutalo gradually began showing more of the qualities that had made Ajax interested in him in the first place.
The Road to 100 Ajax Appearances
Despite the difficulties, Šutalo ultimately became an important member of the Ajax squad.
The club’s official announcement noted that he made his first-team debut on September 3, 2023, against Fortuna Sittard.
By the time he left for Lazio, he had made 108 appearances for Ajax’s first team.
That number deserves attention.
One hundred and eight appearances is not a small contribution.
It means Šutalo was not simply a failed signing who disappeared after a few months.
He played.
He competed.
He experienced difficult matches.
He experienced better matches.
He became part of the club’s history during his time in Amsterdam.
Ajax even highlighted his entry into the club’s prestigious Club of 100, marking the milestone of reaching 100 appearances.
That achievement provides useful context when discussing his departure.
Šutalo may be leaving Ajax, but he leaves having played more than 100 first-team matches.
That is a significant chapter of his career.
A Defender Who Had to Fight for His Reputation
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Šutalo’s Ajax career is the difference between expectations and reality.
When a player arrives for a significant transfer fee, supporters naturally expect immediate results.
If the player struggles, the transfer fee becomes part of the conversation.
Instead of simply asking:
“How did he play?”
people start asking:
“Was he worth the money?”
Those are two different questions.
The first evaluates the footballer.
The second evaluates the transfer.
For Šutalo, that distinction mattered.
There were periods when criticism surrounding his performances became intense.
But the defender continued working.
He remained involved.
He gained experience.
And eventually he produced performances that reminded people why he had been highly regarded in Croatia.
That resilience could become valuable in Italy.
Why Lazio Wanted Šutalo
From Lazio’s perspective, the transfer makes sense for several reasons.
First, the Italian club wanted additional depth and quality at centre-back.
Lazio had been working to strengthen the position, and Šutalo provides a defender with international experience and a substantial number of senior club appearances.
He is not arriving in Rome as an inexperienced prospect.
He has already played top-level football.
He has played European matches.
He has played international football.
And he has experienced the pressure of Ajax.
Lazio therefore get a player who has already faced demanding environments.
The club also have the advantage of evaluating him over an entire season before deciding whether to purchase him permanently.
That reduces the immediate financial risk.
Instead of committing to a major permanent transfer without seeing how the defender adapts to Serie A, Lazio can watch him compete in Italian football first.
That makes the loan structure attractive.
The Financial Structure of the Deal
The official announcements from Ajax and Lazio confirm the loan and the option to buy, but they do not publicly state the financial terms.
However, several reports have provided figures.
Reports before and after the official announcement have generally placed the loan fee around €3 million, with the purchase option reported at approximately €7.5 million to €8 million, depending on the source and potential bonuses.
Goal reported that the purchase option had been reported at €7.5 million, with the potential for bonuses to increase the eventual figure.
Other reports had placed the option at around €8 million.
Because Ajax’s official announcement does not state those figures, they should be treated as reported terms rather than officially confirmed financial details.
That distinction is important for football reporting.
The confirmed information is:
- Šutalo has joined Lazio on loan.
- The loan runs until June 30, 2027.
- Lazio have an option to buy him.
- Šutalo remains contracted to Ajax until June 30, 2028.
Everything beyond those points should be attributed to reports rather than presented as official club information.
Why a Loan Could Benefit Everyone
At first glance, a loan may appear to be an admission that a permanent transfer did not work.
But football transfers are more complicated than that.
A loan can benefit all three parties.
Ajax
Ajax gain financial relief and create room in their squad.
They also retain the possibility of receiving a permanent transfer fee if Lazio decide to buy the defender.
Lazio
Lazio get a potentially high-level defender without immediately committing to a permanent purchase.
They can evaluate him in Serie A.
Šutalo
The player receives a fresh environment.
That could be the most important part.
Sometimes a footballer simply needs a change of surroundings.
A new coach.
A new dressing room.
A new tactical system.
A different league.
A different challenge.
A fresh beginning.
For Šutalo, Lazio could provide exactly that.
Serie A Will Test Him Differently
Italian football has a reputation for tactical sophistication, particularly when it comes to defensive organisation.
For a centre-back, Serie A presents a unique challenge.
Positioning is crucial.
Decision-making is crucial.
Reading the game is crucial.
A defender cannot simply rely on physical ability.
He must understand where the danger is developing before the ball arrives.
That could suit Šutalo.
One of his strengths is his ability to read situations and operate in structured defensive systems.
But Serie A will still require adaptation.
The pace can be different from Dutch football.
The tactical demands can be different.
Opponents may approach matches differently.
And attackers will constantly test a defender’s concentration.
The question is whether Šutalo can turn his experience into consistency.
The Physical Side of Šutalo’s Game
At 190 centimetres, Šutalo has the physical profile of a modern centre-back.
His height provides an advantage when defending crosses and set pieces.
It also allows him to compete effectively in aerial situations.
But modern defending is about much more than height.
A centre-back needs acceleration.
He needs balance.
He needs timing.
He needs the ability to recover when an attacker gets behind the defensive line.
Šutalo’s physical attributes can help him in those situations, but the tactical structure around him will also matter.
If Lazio protect him properly and give him clear responsibilities, he can concentrate on using his strengths.
Ball Progression Could Be Another Advantage
One of the reasons technically capable defenders are so valuable in modern football is that they can begin attacks.
Instead of simply winning the ball and passing sideways, a centre-back who can carry or pass the ball forward can change the entire shape of a team.
Šutalo has experience in possession-oriented football from his years at Ajax.
That experience could help him at Lazio.
When opponents press high, the centre-back becomes one of the first players responsible for escaping pressure.
A successful pass through the first line of pressure can immediately create space.
A poor pass, however, can create a dangerous counterattack.
That balance is one of the central responsibilities of a modern defender.
The Importance of Confidence
For Šutalo, perhaps the most important word going into his Lazio spell is confidence.
Defenders need confidence.
If a centre-back is constantly worried about making a mistake, decision-making can suffer.
He may hesitate.
He may take fewer risks.
He may lose concentration.
A fresh start can help remove some of that psychological pressure.
Lazio supporters will not be judging Šutalo based on what happened at Ajax.
They will judge him based on what he does in Rome.
That gives him an opportunity.
Every clean sheet can build confidence.
Every successful tackle can build confidence.
Every strong performance can change the perception surrounding him.
By the end of the season, the conversation could be completely different.
A New Number in Rome
Šutalo will wear the number 37 shirt at Lazio, according to reports surrounding his arrival.
A shirt number does not determine a player’s performance, of course.
But it marks the beginning of a new identity.
The Ajax number disappears from the immediate picture.
The red-and-white environment is replaced by Lazio’s colours.
The Johan Cruyff Arena is replaced by the Stadio Olimpico.
The Eredivisie is replaced by Serie A.
Everything changes.
And sometimes that is exactly what a player needs.
Reuniting With a Familiar Face
Another interesting element of Šutalo’s move to Lazio is that he will not enter the new environment completely without familiarity.
He is expected to reunite with former Ajax teammate Kenneth Taylor, who had already moved from Amsterdam to Lazio earlier in 2026. Reports have highlighted the reunion as one of the connections that could help Šutalo settle into his new surroundings.
Having a familiar face can be valuable for a new signing.
Moving to another country involves much more than football.
There is a new language.
New teammates.
New training routines.
New tactical ideas.
New surroundings.
A former teammate can provide a sense of familiarity.
For Šutalo, that could make the transition slightly easier.
Lazio’s Expectations Will Be High
Although the move is a loan, Lazio will expect Šutalo to contribute.
This is not simply a development opportunity for a teenager.
He is 26.
He has more than 100 Ajax appearances.
He has international experience.
He has already played at a high level.
The expectation will therefore be that he competes for a starting role and provides reliability.
That means he cannot afford to spend the entire season adapting.
He will need to understand the manager’s tactical instructions quickly.
He will need to establish relationships with his defensive teammates.
And he will need to show that his best football is still ahead of him.
What Could Make Lazio Buy Him Permanently?
There are several obvious factors.
The first is availability.
A defender cannot establish himself if he spends long periods injured.
The second is consistency.
One outstanding match is not enough.
Lazio will want to see strong performances over months.
The third is tactical adaptation.
Šutalo must show that he can operate effectively within Lazio’s defensive system.
The fourth is big-game performance.
Important matches can influence how clubs evaluate players.
If Šutalo performs well against strong Serie A opponents, his case becomes stronger.
Finally, there is the economic question.
Lazio will compare his performances against the cost of making the deal permanent.
If they believe the defender can contribute for several seasons, exercising the purchase option becomes much easier to justify.
What Could Send Him Back to Ajax?
The opposite is also possible.
If injuries interrupt his season, that could hurt his chances.
If he struggles tactically, Lazio may hesitate.
If he cannot establish himself as a regular option, the club may decide against the permanent transfer.
And if the financial terms become unattractive compared with other defensive options, Lazio may look elsewhere.
That is why the 2026/27 season is so important.
Šutalo has control over one of the most important parts of the equation:
his performances.
Ajax’s Perspective Is Also Interesting
Ajax have not completely closed the door on Šutalo.
His contract continues until June 30, 2028.
That means the club retains contractual control beyond the current loan.
If Lazio do not buy him, Šutalo could potentially return to Amsterdam.
That possibility makes his performances in Italy important even if Lazio ultimately decide against a permanent deal.
A successful Serie A season could increase his market value.
It could attract other clubs.
It could also change Ajax’s own assessment of him.
Football can change very quickly.
A player who leaves one club on loan can return as a completely different footballer.
The Ajax Exit Should Not Define His Career
There is sometimes a tendency in football to label players too early.
A player moves to a big club.
He struggles.
People call him a failure.
Then he moves somewhere else and performs brilliantly.
Suddenly everyone asks why the first club allowed him to leave.
Šutalo’s career is not finished.
Far from it.
At 26, he has many years ahead of him.
The move to Lazio should therefore be viewed as an opportunity rather than a verdict.
Ajax did not necessarily prove that Šutalo was incapable.
Lazio are not guaranteed to transform him.
The next stage will be determined on the pitch.
Croatia Will Also Be Watching
Šutalo’s performances in Italy could have importance beyond club football.
He is a Croatian international, and Croatia continue to possess an impressive generation of defenders and midfielders.
Competition for international places is never easy.
Every regular club appearance helps.
Every strong performance strengthens a player’s case.
Playing regularly in Serie A could therefore be valuable for Šutalo’s international ambitions.
If he establishes himself as an important Lazio defender, Croatia can benefit from having another centre-back playing regularly at a high level.
Why Regular Football Matters
For any footballer, especially a defender, regular playing time can be more valuable than sitting on the bench at a bigger club.
Centre-backs need rhythm.
They need communication.
They need familiarity with teammates.
They need match experience.
A defender can train every day, but matches provide a different kind of pressure.
The timing of tackles.
The positioning of the defensive line.
The reaction to counterattacks.
The management of dangerous forwards.
These things become sharper through competitive football.
If Lazio can give Šutalo regular opportunities, he could benefit significantly.
A Chance to Rewrite the Narrative
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this transfer is the possibility of a new narrative.
For much of his Ajax career, the conversation around Šutalo involved his transfer fee, difficult periods, injuries and inconsistent performances.
In Rome, he gets the opportunity to create a different story.
Imagine a scenario in which he starts the season strongly.
He becomes a regular starter.
Lazio’s defence improves.
He performs well against major opponents.
He helps the team compete for European football.
Then, toward the end of the season, Lazio decide to activate the purchase option.
The conversation would be completely different.
Instead of discussing a player who struggled in Amsterdam, people would be discussing a defender who rebuilt his career in Italy.
That possibility makes the loan particularly intriguing.
The First Few Months Will Be Crucial
Šutalo’s adaptation period will be closely watched.
The first few appearances will be important.
Not because they will determine his entire season, but because they will establish confidence.
A strong debut can change everything.
A difficult debut can create pressure.
That is normal in football.
The key will be how he responds.
Even the best defenders make mistakes.
The difference is what happens afterward.
Does the player become nervous?
Or does he respond with an even stronger performance?
Šutalo has already experienced pressure at Ajax.
He knows what criticism feels like.
That experience may actually help him.
Lazio Could Offer the Right Tactical Environment
One of the biggest questions will be how the Lazio coaching staff use him.
Šutalo’s qualities are best maximised when he understands exactly what his role is.
If he is asked to defend large spaces, he needs support.
If he is expected to build from the back, he needs passing options.
If he is responsible for marking a dangerous striker, he needs midfield protection.
Football is a team sport.
Even an excellent defender can look poor if the structure around him is broken.
Lazio’s tactical setup will therefore be just as important as Šutalo’s individual ability.
The Pressure of the Olimpico
Playing for Lazio also means playing in one of Italian football’s most famous stadium environments.
The Stadio Olimpico carries enormous history.
For a new signing, walking onto that pitch wearing Lazio colours will be a significant moment.
Supporters will want to see commitment.
They will want to see defensive aggression.
They will want to see concentration.
And they will want to see a player who understands the importance of representing the club.
Šutalo’s experience at Ajax should help him deal with the size of the stage.
He is not entering professional football for the first time.
He is simply entering a new chapter.
From Amsterdam to Rome
The contrast between Amsterdam and Rome is enormous.
Amsterdam is associated with Ajax’s football culture, youth development and possession-based philosophy.
Rome offers a different footballing identity.
Lazio have their own traditions, supporters and expectations.
Šutalo will need to adapt not only to football but also to life in another country.
That can be challenging.
But it can also be exciting.
For a 26-year-old footballer, moving abroad again can provide new experiences both professionally and personally.
What Ajax Supporters Can Hope For
Ajax supporters may have mixed feelings about the transfer.
Some will believe Šutalo deserved more time.
Others will feel that the move is the right decision.
But there is one thing everyone can hope for:
That he succeeds.
A successful loan can benefit Ajax financially.
If Lazio buy him, Ajax receive a transfer fee.
If Šutalo returns, he could come back with more experience.
If his performances attract other clubs, Ajax could potentially benefit from increased market interest.
So even though he has left Amsterdam, his performances in Italy remain relevant to the Dutch club.
What Lazio Supporters Can Expect
Lazio supporters are getting a defender with experience.
They are not getting a finished product.
That distinction matters.
Šutalo has qualities that can make him an important centre-back, but Lazio supporters should also expect an adaptation period.
The Italian game will challenge him.
There may be difficult matches.
There may be mistakes.
But if the club gives him support and he develops consistency, the transfer could become one of the more interesting defensive moves of the season.
The Bigger Picture of the Transfer
Modern football transfers increasingly involve risk management.
Clubs do not always want to spend huge amounts immediately.
A loan with an option to buy allows both sides flexibility.
For Lazio, the arrangement provides an opportunity to test Šutalo.
For Ajax, it creates a potential route toward a permanent transfer while removing the player from their immediate squad.
For the player, it provides a chance to demonstrate his value in a different league.
That makes the deal strategically interesting.
It is not simply about where Šutalo plays this season.
It is about what happens to his career afterward.
A Second Chance Can Be Powerful
Football history is full of players who needed a second environment.
Some struggled at one club and became stars elsewhere.
Some needed a tactical system that suited them better.
Others simply needed confidence.
There is no guarantee that Šutalo will become a star at Lazio.
But the circumstances are favourable for a fresh start.
He has experience.
He is still at a good age.
He knows what elite football demands.
And he now has a full season to prove himself.
That is a powerful opportunity.
The Defender’s Immediate Mission
Šutalo’s first objective should not be thinking about the purchase option.
It should be football.
Train well.
Understand the system.
Build chemistry.
Stay fit.
Play consistently.
Perform.
If he does those things, the financial conversation will take care of itself.
Thinking too much about whether Lazio will buy him could create unnecessary pressure.
The best response is simple:
Play well enough that Lazio do not want to let you go.
The Pressure of the €20 Million Conversation
Another aspect of Šutalo’s career that continues to attract attention is the investment Ajax made when they signed him from Dinamo Zagreb.
Reports have cited a transfer fee of around €20.5 million, while other reporting has placed the overall figure closer to €22 million depending on the structure of the deal.
That original investment is often used when evaluating his Ajax career.
But Šutalo cannot change the amount Ajax paid.
His responsibility is what happens next.
The reported Lazio purchase option is significantly lower than the amount Ajax initially invested.
That tells us something about the transfer market, but it does not necessarily tell us Šutalo’s true ability.
Market value changes.
Players’ situations change.
Clubs’ needs change.
A footballer is not a spreadsheet.
The Importance of Staying Fit
One issue that has followed Šutalo during his Ajax career has been injuries.
Reports have noted that he experienced injury difficulties during his time in Amsterdam, although he still managed to make 108 appearances for the club.
At Lazio, fitness will be critical.
A defender cannot establish himself if he repeatedly misses matches.
Regular availability will help him build confidence and tactical understanding.
It will also help Lazio make a proper assessment before deciding whether to exercise their purchase option.
Therefore, one of Šutalo’s biggest goals should simply be to stay healthy and available.
What a Successful Season Would Look Like
A successful 2026/27 season for Šutalo does not necessarily mean winning every trophy.
It could mean something much simpler.
He becomes a regular first-team defender.
He stays fit.
He develops a strong partnership with his defensive teammates.
He performs consistently.
He earns the trust of the coaching staff.
He contributes to clean sheets.
He performs well against strong opponents.
And by the end of the season, Lazio genuinely want to keep him.
If all of those things happen, the move will have been a success.
What Happens at the End of June 2027?
That is the date everyone connected to the transfer will eventually care about.
The current loan agreement ends on June 30, 2027.
By then, Lazio will have to decide what to do with the purchase option.
There could be several possibilities.
Scenario One: Lazio Buy Šutalo
This would mean his performances convinced the Italian club to make the transfer permanent.
Scenario Two: Šutalo Returns to Ajax
If Lazio do not exercise the option, he could return to Amsterdam, where he remains contracted until 2028.
Scenario Three: Another Transfer
A strong season in Italy could attract interest from other clubs, potentially creating another transfer opportunity.
That is why the Lazio season could have enormous influence on the next stage of his career.
The Footballing Gamble
Every loan transfer involves a gamble.
Ajax are gambling that the loan creates value.
Lazio are gambling that Šutalo can perform.
Šutalo is gambling that a new environment will bring out his best qualities.
But football requires these decisions.
No club can guarantee success.
No player can guarantee perfect performances.
The only thing everyone can control is preparation and effort.
For Šutalo, the challenge now is clear.
Make the most of Rome.
A New Beginning, Not a Goodbye
Ajax’s social-media message may have looked like a farewell.
But football transfers are rarely that simple.
The message is a goodbye for now.
Šutalo leaves Amsterdam, but his Ajax contract remains active.
He leaves with 108 first-team appearances behind him.
He leaves with lessons from difficult moments.
He leaves with memories of good moments.
And he leaves with the opportunity to prove himself again.
That is not the end of a career.
It is a new beginning.
Final Verdict: A Transfer Worth Watching
Josip Šutalo’s move from Ajax to Lazio is one of those transfers that could look very different depending on what happens over the next 12 months.
If he struggles in Italy, the loan could be remembered as another difficult chapter.
If he becomes a regular starter and Lazio activate the purchase option, it could become the move that revived his career.
And if he goes beyond expectations, the transfer could eventually be viewed as one of the most important turning points of his career.
At 26, Šutalo still has plenty of football ahead of him.
He has already experienced the pressure of playing for Ajax.
He has already represented Croatia.
He has already crossed the 100-appearance mark at one of Europe’s historic clubs.
Now he has the chance to test himself in Serie A.
The challenge will be different.
The opponents will be different.
The tactics will be different.
The stadium will be different.
But the objective remains the same.
Prove yourself.
Lazio have opened the door.
Šutalo now has to walk through it.
For Ajax, the decision offers flexibility.
For Lazio, it offers an opportunity to evaluate a potentially valuable defender.
For Šutalo, it offers something perhaps even more important:
a fresh start.
The Croatian defender’s Ajax story may have reached its temporary conclusion, but his football story is far from finished.
The next chapter will be written in Rome.
And by the time June 2027 arrives, everyone will know whether Lazio have found their long-term centre-back — or whether Šutalo will return to Amsterdam with another chapter still waiting to be written.
For now, there is only one thing certain.
Josip Šutalo is a Lazio player for the 2026/27 season.
And this time, he has an entire season to show what he can really do.
Key Facts About the Transfer
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Josip Šutalo |
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Previous club | Ajax |
| New club | Lazio |
| Transfer type | Season-long loan |
| Loan ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Permanent option | Yes |
| Ajax contract | Until June 30, 2028 |
| Ajax appearances | 108 |
| Lazio shirt number | 37 |
| Reported loan fee | Around €3m* |
| Reported purchase option | Around €7.5m–€8m* |
*The loan and purchase-option figures have been reported by multiple outlets, but Ajax’s official announcement did not disclose the financial terms, so they should be treated as reported rather than officially confirmed figures.
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The Croatian defender has joined Lazio from Ajax on a season-long loan running until June 30, 2027, with the Italian club holding an option to make the transfer permanent.
After more than 100 appearances for Ajax, Šutalo now begins a new chapter in Serie A. Can he become a key defender for Lazio and earn a permanent move?
A new league. A new club. A fresh start. 🔥
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