In the summer of 2023, Ajax signed Josip Sutalo from Dinamo Zagreb in a deal reportedly worth €23.5 million, including bonuses.

Sutalo spent three years at Ajax but failed to find consistency. His best season was his second with the club, under the management of Francesco Farioli. He struggled to continue that form into last season, although it was a very poor season for Ajax, and several players struggled to reach their highest level.

Ajax decided to let Sutalo go during the summer transfer window, with the Croatian defender moving to Lazio on a season-long loan. The Italian club also included the option to sign Sutalo permanently next summer. That buy option is reportedly worth €7.5 million.

Following Sutalo's departure, Ajax signed Thilo Kehrer on loan from AS Monaco to add depth to the right centre-back position, as prior to Kehrer's arrival, Aaron Bouwman was the only right-footed centre-back in the squad.

Sutalo is becoming a very important player for Gennaro Gattuso's side, which currently sits at the top of the Serie A table. Sutalo has started in all of their last three games, producing some impressive performances.

Following his impressive start to life in the Italian capital, Lazio reportedly wants to sign Sutalo permanently, although the financial side of the deal could complicate a potential transfer for the Serie A side.

Speaking to VoetbalPrimeur, Italian journalist Tommaso Fefè explained the current situation regarding Sutalo's potential permanent transfer to Lazio.

"From a sporting perspective, there is no doubt: given his current level, the club would like to sign him permanently," Fefè said, speaking on Sutalo.

"However, the issue is financial in nature. It remains to be seen whether Lazio will face restrictions on the transfer market at the end of the year – because certain budget targets may not have been met – and whether sufficient funds are available to complete the permanent transfer."

Should Lazio sign Sutalo on a permanent transfer in the summer, Ajax should make Kehrer's loan transfer permanent. The German defender has had a solid start to his Ajax career.

He is a strong dueller and is also fairly good on the ball. He and Bouwman give Michel Sanchez two very good options in the right centre-back position, and they both have different strengths and weaknesses.

Kehrer is defensively stronger and more dominant in duels, while Bouwman is better in build-up and more progressive in possession.

Kehrer has also played right-back on a few occasions and has done well there. He can defend the channels well, and while he typically stays deeper to help in the build-up when playing at right-back, he has shown some promising signs when getting into more advanced areas. 

Ajax did not include a buy option in Kehrer's loan move to Amsterdam, but if he continues to impress in an Ajax shirt, Jordi Cruijff should open talks with AS Monaco over a permanent deal. He adds quality, versatility and experience to Michel's squad.