Saudis eye Sutalo: Al Hilal’s interest remains fluid amid transfer uncertainty

Ajax defender Josip Sutalo is on the transfer shortlist of Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, while Al Hilal monitors his situation in Amsterdam.

Sutalo’s inclusion on Al Hilal’s list does not yet translate into concrete interest, the report stresses. Saudi clubs have a history of shifting transfer stances rapidly, leaving open the possibility that the pursuit could stall or collapse entirely.

The uncertainty reflects a pattern seen with former Feyenoord defender Dávid Hancko, whose move to Al Nassr appeared final last year. Hancko completed a medical at the Saudi club’s training camp before the transfer was abruptly cancelled for undisclosed reasons. He later joined Atlético Madrid instead.

Sutalo’s current contract at Ajax runs for two more seasons. The Amsterdam side paid €20 million for the defender from Dinamo Zagreb three years ago, expecting immediate impact. Instead, Sutalo endured two underwhelming campaigns at the Johan Cruijff Arena, followed by one improved season.

With Ajax open to selling their starting centre-back this summer, Sutalo’s future remains finely balanced. His World Cup participation adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer talks.

Al Hilal’s approach is tentative at this stage. The club’s transfer policy has shown volatility, making it difficult to predict whether Sutalo will leave Europe for Saudi Arabia.

The Ajax defender has featured for Croatia at the World Cup while his club awaits clarity on his future. No timeline has been set for transfer negotiations, and Sutalo’s representatives have not commented publicly.

For Ajax, the possibility of recouping part of the €20 million investment in Sutalo could ease financial pressure. The club has already sold several first-team players this summer.