Lazio Pursues Franjo Ivanovic for Central Striker Role

Lazio have joined the chase for Benfica forward Franjo Ivanovic, convinced they can offer what others cannot: guaranteed minutes and a central role, not just a squad number.

The 22-year-old Croatia international only arrived in Lisbon last summer from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth €22.8m, a signing that underlined Benfica’s belief in his potential. His first season brought eight goals and two assists across 42 competitive appearances, numbers that hint at promise rather than a finished product.

The problem lies in the fine print. Of those 42 games, Ivanovic started only 13. For a young striker on the rise, that statistic matters more than any transfer fee.

According to Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedullà, Ivanovic has made regular playing time the decisive factor in his next move. System, status, even the badge on the shirt come second. He wants a pitch, not a bench.

Lazio sense an opening. The club have reportedly approached Benfica with a proposal for a dry loan – no option to buy, no long-term obligation, just a season in Rome to play, grow, and prove himself at Serie A level. It is a calculated gamble: Lazio get a hungry, international-level centre-forward without tying up future budgets, while Ivanovic gets the platform he craves.

They are not alone in the queue. Como have shown interest as they look to establish themselves in Serie A, Galatasaray are monitoring the situation from the Turkish Super Lig, and Hull City are pushing from England. Real Betis have also been linked. Each club can offer a different stage and a different kind of pressure.

What they may struggle to match is Lazio’s sales pitch: a major role in a side that needs fresh energy up front and a league that has long been a proving ground for ambitious strikers.

Ivanovic’s rise with Croatia only sharpens the focus. Since making his senior debut last year, he has collected nine caps, scoring twice and adding an assist. For a 22-year-old in a fiercely competitive national setup, those numbers carry weight. They also add urgency. A forward breaking into the Croatia team cannot afford a season lost to cameos.

Benfica now hold the key. Keep him as a rotation option, or let him leave on a straight loan to test himself elsewhere. Lazio are ready to move, the player wants minutes, and several clubs are circling.

The next decision will say a lot about how quickly Franjo Ivanovic intends to turn potential into status.