[REVISION HISTORY]

Franjo Ivanović transfer and Lens updates

Updated 10 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-22 17:24 UTC → 2026-08-23 15:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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