Lazio have reportedly added another centre-forward to their summer shortlist, targeting Benfica’s Franjo Ivanovic.
Lazio’s Striker Hunt Continues
After scoring only 41 goals in 38 Serie A rounds last season, the Biancocelesti are in dire need of firepower up front. Gennaro Gattuso identified AC Milan struggler Santiago Gimenez as his dream target, but it remains a complicated deal amid the club’s shaky financial situation.
West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug and Burnley’s Armando Broja were offered, but neither profile enticed the Aquile. The club was also linked with other profiles, like Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti, and Fluminense’s John Kennedy. But since Lazio haven’t made progress on any of the aforementioned tracks, it was only a matter of time before another name emerged.
Lazio Working on Signing Benfica’s Franjo Ivanovic
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Lazio have made significant moves for Ivanovic, who is open to leaving Benfica this summer, but is determined to find a club that guarantees him playing time. The source reveals that the Biancocelesti have requested an initial loan, so it remains to be seen if the Portuguese giants would be open to a temporary formula.
Ivanovic Career Path & Stats
Ivanovic is a Croatian player who was born in Schwaz, Austria. In 2015, he headed to Germany, joining Lowhald’s academy, before moving to Augsburg, where he eventually climbed his way up the ranks. After being released in 2023, the striker signed for HNK Rijeka in the Croatian top flight.
A year later, Ivanovic was on the move again, signing for Union Saint-Gilloise, cementing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Belgian league. He made 47 appearances, contributing with 21 goals and seven assists.
The Croatian’s exploits in Belgium earned him a €23 million transfer to Benfica in the summer of 2025. Although he wasn’t a regular starter under Jose Mourinho, he still went on to make 42 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. Ivanovic also has nine senior caps for Croatia and two international goals to his name.
I think moving forward u guys shouldn’t tell us this tins…all the Strikers lazio have targeted, we landed non
This might be a feasible loan target though, his wage is about a million gross. It seems which is truly low. Benfica would benefit from him making minutes, but while being on a multiple years contract and having been bought for an apparent sum of 23 million a year ago. A 2.5 million up front, with an option to buy for 18-20 million.
Ideally it would be a 2 years deal with option to buy, but that I believe to be banned some years ago. That would’ve been best for all parties, as it would give them 2 seasons to get enough money. While the player gets the opportunity to shine. If succesful and Lazio isn’t able to buy, he would have increased in value. But not allowed.
In theory, I agree, however, it doesn’t seem like clubs have an appetite for the ‘option to buy’ formula.
Even then, the obligation clause would take some careful negotiating from Fabiani…
Maybe the chances are high, since the dumbest Gattuso thinks that we can get the flying eagle from them.