Yahoo Sports West Ham face serious competition for Ajax defender Josip Sutalo
West Ham United are facing a potential bidding war for Ajax ace Josip Sutalo, with several clubs eager to sign the impressive defender.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Serie A side Fiorentina are hot on his heels and are looking to lure him to the Italian top flight this summer.
The Europa Conference League finalists have reportedly made a move for Sutalo, but the player hasn’t given his approval and is weighing his options.
Sutalo has plenty of potential suitors lining up a move. In addition to West Ham and Fiorentina, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring his situation.
The 24-year-old is poised to leave Amsterdam this summer but is exploring every available option before making a decision on his long-term future.
Sutalo could be an exciting addition for West Ham
New manager Julen Lopetegui finally got his wish when the club announced Max Kilman as a new signing, but the Spanish tactician is eager to add at least one more defender to the ranks.
It’s unsurprising, considering at least one of Kurt Zouma or Nayef Aguerd could leave the club this summer, and Kilman needs a partner at the heart of the defence.
Sutalo checks that box perfectly. Given his impressive numbers, the Croatian defender could be the ideal partner for Kilman at centre-back.
The Croat was a key player for his nation at the ongoing European Championship in Germany, featuring in every match during the group stage.
He put in his best performance in the 1-1 draw against Italy that confirmed Croatia’s elimination from the tournament, recording two clearances, two blocks, and three interceptions.
Sutalo was in fine form for Ajax last season, keeping three clean sheets in 23 Eredivisie appearances. He averaged 6.6 ball recoveries and won 60% of his total duels.
The former Dinamo Zagreb man could be an exciting addition to our backline, but we’ll need to fend off plenty of competition to wrap up a deal.
Stats from Sofascore.com
