# Aris Thessaloniki defensive squad reinforcements > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aris-thessaloniki-defensive-squad-reinforcements > Updated: 2026-08-24T18:46:00.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3. Aris Thessaloniki has begun strengthening its defensive line as part of a new squad philosophy focused on young players. On August 21, the club reached an agreement with Standard Liège to acquire Croatian central defender Boško Šutalo on loan for the season, an arrangement that includes an option to purchase the player next summer. By August 24, the club was finalizing the transfers of both Šutalo and Manu Garcia, with both players arriving in Thessaloniki for medical examinations and signings. Details regarding Šutalo’s arrival indicate the 26-year-old center-back is set to sign a contract that includes an option for Aris to purchase his rights for approximately two million euros next summer. Šutalo, whose career includes stints at Atalanta BC, Hellas Verona, and Dinamo Zagreb, expressed his ambition to help Aris return to European competitions, describing the club as one of the top teams in Greece. Reports suggest Standard Liège has been actively seeking to move the player due to his high salary and lack of playing time under coach Vincent Euvrard, with the Belgian club viewing his departure as a relief. Šutalo, formerly a significant signing for Dinamo Zagreb, has previously struggled with consistency due to frequent injuries and a recent loan spell at Cracovia in Poland. Aris FC has officially announced the acquisitions of both players. Manu Garcia returns to the club on a three-year contract following a period in the MLS with Sporting Kansas City; during his previous tenure with Aris from 2022 to 2025, he recorded 63 appearances, 9 goals, and 7 assists. With these additions, the squad size has grown to approximately 34 players, leaving manager Michalis Grigoriou to manage a large roster ahead of upcoming league matches, including a fixture against OFI Crete. ## Claims - Manu Garcia and Boško Šutalo arrived in Thessaloniki within the last 48 hours for medical examinations and signings. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The team plans to use Omar Richards on the left flank of the defense and Boško Šutalo in the center. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The club is still considering further defensive reinforcements, specifically for the center-back position. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Aris FC is adopting a philosophy focused on young players for the new season. (single source) - Goalkeeper Vana Alves is confirmed out for the upcoming Saturday match. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Standard de Liège loans Boško Šutalo to Aris Thessaloniki Standard de Liège has loaned Croatian defender Boško Šutalo to Aris Thessaloniki for the season, with an option for the Greek club to buy him for approximately 2 million euros. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/standard-de-lige-loans-boko-utalo-to-aris-thessaloniki ### 2026-08-23: Aris FC announces signings of Manu Garcia and Bosko Sutalo Aris FC has strengthened its roster with the signings of Spanish midfielder Manu Garcia on a three-year deal and Croatian defender Bosko Sutalo on a one-year loan from Standard Liege. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boko-utalo-nears-transfer-to-aris-thessaloniki-from-standard-lige ### 2026-08-21: Aris Thessaloniki signs Boško Šutalo on loan Aris Thessaloniki has agreed to sign Croatian defender Boško Šutalo on loan from Standard Liège, with an option to buy next summer. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-thessaloniki-signs-boko-utalo-on-loan --- Cite as: Aris Thessaloniki defensive squad reinforcements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aris-thessaloniki-defensive-squad-reinforcements