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6 clusters · 39 sources · 23 days · First seen 27 days ago · Last updated 4 days ago

Franjo Ivanović transfer and Lens updates

Overview

By August 9, 2026, Franjo Ivanović finalized a one-year loan move to Lens from Benfica, which includes an option to purchase the player at the end of the period. The Croatian forward chose the French club over S.S. Lazio primarily to ensure participation in the Champions League.

Following the collapse of the deal, Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso expressed disappointment, suggesting the club may have erred by not communicating with the player earlier in the negotiations despite having reached financial agreements with Benfica. While Lazio continues to search for a striker with specific physical and speed attributes to suit Gattuso’s tactical requirements, the club is also reportedly facing competition from Nice for free agent Bamba Dieng. Additionally, management is evaluating defensive options, including the future of Alessio Romagnoli and the potential termination of defender Gigot’s contract due to ongoing injury issues to free up wage space for new signings.

Lens announced the signing of the 22-year-old Ivanović via a provocative social media video inspired by ‘The Simpsons’, which included references to Lazio and a historical 6-0 victory over the Italian side. In related club news, Lens announced the appointment of 33-year-old Ivorian international Serge Aurier to the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the U15 team. The club also secured a long-term contract extension for defender Ismaëlo Ganiou through 2030.

Since joining, Ivanović has made his debut in the French Super Cup against PSG and scored his first Ligue 1 goal in a 5-2 victory against Auxerre on August 22. Montenegrin midfielder Andrija Bulatović also featured in the match, entering in the 79th minute.

Entities

Franjo Ivanović · Benfica · RC Lens · Lens · Lazio

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Franjo Ivanović has chosen to join French club Lens on a one-year loan from Benfica.
[● 3 SOURCES] Ivanović declined interest from Hull City and Real Betis during the transfer process.
[● 2 SOURCES] Lazio's coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the club attempted to secure Ivanović but failed because the player prioritized playing in the Champions League.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The deal with Lens is a one-year loan without a predefined purchase price, though Lens has the option to buy.

Timeline

4 days ago

[SPORTS] 12 sources
Lens and PSV secure dominant victories in European league starts
Franjo Ivanović scored for Lens in their 5-2 win over Auxerre, while Ivan Perišić netted twice in PSV's 5-1 victory against Groningen. Esmir Bajraktarević remains without playing time at PSV.
15 days ago

[SPORTS] 9 sources
RC Lens signs Franjo Ivanovic and appoints Serge Aurier as U15 coach
RC Lens has signed Croatian striker Franjo Ivanovic on loan from Benfica and appointed former player Serge Aurier as an assistant coach for their U15 squad.
17 days ago

[SPORTS] 13 sources
Franjo Ivanović joins Lens on loan, rejecting Lazio move
Croatian forward Franjo Ivanović has joined French club Lens on loan from Benfica, opting for Champions League football over a potential move to Lazio.
18 days ago

[SPORTS] 2 sources
RC Lens secures Ganiou extension and signs Ivanović
RC Lens has extended defender Ismaëlo Ganiou's contract until 2030 and reached an agreement to sign striker Franjo Ivanović following an injury to Odsonne Édouard.
20 days ago

[SPORTS] 10 sources
Lazio shifts transfer targets after Franjo Ivanovic chooses RC Lens
Lazio's attempt to sign Benfica striker Franjo Ivanovic has failed after the player chose RC Lens. The club is now targeting Santiago Gimenez, Andrea Pinamonti, and Roberto Piccoli as alternatives.
27 days ago

[SPORTS] 5 sources
Franjo Ivanović linked with Real Betis as Benfica eye transfer
Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović, who struggled for minutes at Benfica under José Mourinho, is being pursued by Real Betis with interest also from Lazio, Galatasaray and Hull City as the Portuguese club looksto

Sources

24sata.hr · butfootballclub.fr · calcioatalanta.it · cg-fudbal.com · cittaceleste.it · condoleances.com · cronachedi.it · europacalcio.it · football.fr · gol.dnevnik.hr · gol.hr · haber.ba · index.hr · lacronaca24.it · lalaziosiamonoi.it · laziochannel.it · livefoot.fr · n1info.ba · netafrique.net · news.maxifoot.fr · oslobodjenje.ba · primorski.me · sport.fr · sport.hrt.hr · sportal.it · sportklub.n1info.hr · sportpaper.it · sportskacentrala.com · sportske.jutarnji.hr · sportsport.ba · telegram.hr · thelaziali.com · tuttomercatoweb.com · tuttomercatoweb.it · tuttonapoli.net · tvarenasport.ba · vecernji.ba · vecernji.hr · violanews.com

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history