Bomb from Benfica: Jakirović Calls Ivanović to Hull City
Young Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović is a target for several European clubs, with Sergej Jakirović's Hull City and Real Betis being the most concrete. Meanwhile, Filip Kostić signs for PSV.
Young Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović is a target for several European clubs, with Sergej Jakirović's Hull City and Real Betis being the most concrete. Meanwhile, Filip Kostić signs for PSV.
While the pieces are just being put together for the new season at Maksimir and Poljud, one of the most intriguing Croatian football gems could make a big step in his career. Twenty-two-year-old Benfica striker Franjo Ivanović has become the subject of serious interest this summer from newly promoted English Premier League side Hull City and Spanish club Real Betis, who will compete in the Champions League this season. It should be noted that neither Ivanović nor the mentioned clubs have officially commented on these media reports.
According to information published by Spanish radio station Onda Cero and Portuguese newspaper A Bola, both clubs want to see Ivanović in their ranks. Hull City, led from the bench by Croatian coach Sergej Jakirović, has reportedly sent a very concrete offer. The English club is ready to pay Benfica between €20 and €25 million in compensation, which is in line with the €22.8 million the Lisbon club paid for him last summer.
On the other hand, Real Betis, who are in search of a striker, are trying to find a more financially viable formula. In Seville, they believe the asking price is too high and hope to negotiate a transfer for a lower amount. Betis's initial idea was to bring Ivanović on a one-year loan with an option to buy, covering his salary and paying a loan fee. However, such a model did not suit Benfica, who prefer an immediate sale or a loan with an obligation to buy. Despite this, Betis is trying to find a compromise, counting on the fact that the Croatian striker would rather play for a team with Champions League ambitions than for a Premier League newcomer.
Ivanović's situation at Benfica has become even more complicated this summer. The club brought in 22-year-old Colombian international Jhon Durán, making the competition in attack even fiercer. Additionally, last season he failed to establish himself in the starting lineup because then-coach José Mourinho preferred a formation with a single striker, favoring Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis, who is still at the club.
Benfica also experienced a shake-up on the bench this summer. Mourinho left the club to take over Real Madrid, and Marco Silva, who previously managed London's Fulham, has taken his place. It remains to be seen whether the new coach will count on Ivanović or whether the young Croatian will seek playing time elsewhere.
While waiting for the outcome regarding Ivanović, another Croatian footballer has changed clubs. As exclusively reported by Fabrizio Romano, citing journalist Rik Elfrink, Filip Kostić will become a new player for PSV Eindhoven. An agreement has been reached, and Kostić will undergo a medical on Wednesday. He will sign a contract with the Dutch club until June 2028.
