# Franjo Ivanović transfer and Lens updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/franjo-ivanovi-transfer-negotiations > Updated: 2026-08-22T16:46:23.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 6. 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. ## Claims - Franjo Ivanović has chosen to join French club Lens on a one-year loan from Benfica. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Ivanović declined interest from Hull City and Real Betis during the transfer process. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lazio's coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the club attempted to secure Ivanović but failed because the player prioritized playing in the Champions League. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The deal with Lens is a one-year loan without a predefined purchase price, though Lens has the option to buy. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: 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. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franjo-ivanovi-scores-first-goal-for-rc-lens ### 2026-08-12: 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. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rc-lens-signs-striker-franjo-ivanovic-on-loan-from-benfica ### 2026-08-09: 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. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franjo-ivanovi-joins-lens-on-loan-after-rejecting-lazio ### 2026-08-08: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rc-lens-secures-ganiou-extension-and-signs-ivanovi ### 2026-08-07: 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. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lazio-move-to-sign-croatian-striker-franjo-ivanovic-from-benfica ### 2026-07-31: 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 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franjo-ivanovi-linked-with-real-betis-as-benfica-eye-transfer --- Cite as: Franjo Ivanović transfer and Lens updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/franjo-ivanovi-transfer-negotiations