Modric compatriot Josip Sutalo ‘to be considered’ by Benfica to replace António Silva | OneFootball

Benfica have again been linked with Ajax centre-back Josip Sutalo, a Croatia international and Luka Modric's team-mate, as they look to cover António Silva's departure to Bournemouth.

VoetbalPrimeur reports that a centre-back remains a priority for Rui Costa's recruitment team and that a replacement could even arrive next week.

The report adds that Sutalo is on the shortlist to replace Silva, with the process likely to accelerate after initial exploratory contacts by the club's SAD.

Benfica plan to reinvest part of the €25 million received for Silva, a fee that could rise to €30 million, to land a new leader for Marco Silva's defence. While Jonathan Jesus is still viewed as a priority target, several files remain open and Sutalo has re-emerged as an alternative.

Sutalo, 26, came through Dinamo Zagreb and joined Ajax in summer 2023 in a €20.5 million deal, signing through 2028.

He played 31 official matches in 2025/26 and featured at the 2026 World Cup, where Croatia were knocked out by Portugal in the round of 32.

Source: Glorioso 1904