Lazio Pursues Franjo Ivanovic for Starting Role
Lazio have joined the chase for Benfica forward Franjo Ivanovic, betting that the one thing they can offer the 22-year-old Croatia international is the one thing he wants most: guaranteed time on the pitch.
Ivanovic arrived in Lisbon only last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth €22.8m, a clear signal of how highly Benfica rated him. His first season brought eight goals and two assists across 42 competitive appearances – respectable numbers for a newcomer in a demanding environment.
The problem was how those minutes were spread. Just 13 starts. Too many cameos, not enough responsibility.
According to Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedullà, that imbalance has sharpened Ivanovic’s priorities. The striker is not pushing for a glamorous move or a blockbuster fee; he wants a team that will build him into the starting XI and keep him there. Regular football is driving his next decision.
Lazio believe they can be that club. The Roman side have reportedly approached Benfica with a proposal for a dry loan – a straight season-long deal without any option to buy. It is a low-commitment move for the Italians financially, but a high-stakes pitch in sporting terms: come here, and you play.
They are not alone in seeing the opportunity. Como have shown interest from within Serie A, while Galatasaray are watching from the Turkish Super Lig and Hull City are in the mix from England. Each offers a different league, a different spotlight, a different kind of pressure.
What they cannot all guarantee is the central role Ivanovic is chasing.
The forward has already broken into the Croatia senior setup, scoring two goals and adding an assist in nine caps since his debut last year. That taste of international football only raises the stakes. To stay in that squad, and to grow into a regular for his country, he cannot afford another season of bit-part roles.
From Podgorica, where he warmed up in Croatia colours before a World Cup qualifier, to Lisbon’s bench and now to the centre of the summer rumour mill, Ivanovic’s path has been quick and expensive. The next move will not be judged by fee, but by minutes.
Lazio have made their pitch. Now the question is simple: which club can truly hand him the starting shirt he is ready to fight for?
