Franjo Ivanović arrives in Lens
The Croatian international left Benfica after just one year and continues his career on loan at the French runners-up, where he will wear the number 29 shirt.
The Croatian international left Benfica after just one year and continues his career on loan at the French runners-up, where he will wear the number 29 shirt.
Croatian international Franjo Ivanović (22) is officially a new player for French club Lens. The club from northern France confirmed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the arrival of the forward on a one-year loan from Benfica Lisbon, without an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
This marks the fourth consecutive summer that Ivanović has changed clubs. After moving from German side Augsburg to Rijeka in 2023, he then transferred to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, followed by Benfica, and now he heads to Ligue 1.
Lens finished as runners-up in France last season and will compete in the Champions League this autumn, giving Ivanović an ideal stage to rediscover his form. In the season behind him, he scored eight goals and provided three assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for Benfica, but he failed to establish himself as a regular starter.
It was precisely his lack of playing time in Portugal that cost him a place in the Croatian national team for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. For the Vatreni, he has so far earned nine caps and scored two goals.
Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca did not hide his delight at Ivanović's arrival.
"Franjo's arrival is a great pleasure for us. Several European clubs were interested in him, and this signing once again shows the growing appeal of our club. Franjo quickly concluded that Lens is the right place for his development and continued progress. He is a complete striker with an above-average eye for goal," said Leca.
He added that Ivanović's adaptation will be natural thanks to what he shows on and off the pitch, and he sees a particular plus in his international experience gained in the Champions League and with the national team.
French media report that Lens will pay Benfica between three and five million euros for the loan, and that Ivanović could become one of the highest-paid players in the club's history, although specific figures have not been disclosed. He will wear the number 29 shirt at his new club.
