Ivanović Chooses Lens Over Lazio, Gattuso Admits
Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović travels to France today to complete his loan move from Benfica, while Igor Bišćan has found a new role as head coach of the UAE U-23 national team.
Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović travels to France today to complete his loan move from Benfica, while Igor Bišćan has found a new role as head coach of the UAE U-23 national team.
Croatian footballer Franjo Ivanović is on the verge of a new chapter in his career. He is expected to travel to Lens today to finalize his loan move from Portuguese club Benfica. The French top-flight side has also secured an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season, which could see Ivanović extend his stay in Ligue 1.
Ivanović was also a target for Italian club Lazio, but in the end, the option of moving to France prevailed. Roma's head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, confirmed last night that he personally spoke with the player but was unable to change his mind. "The club did everything to bring Ivanović in, and I spoke with him. Benfica gave the green light, but he decided to go to Lens," Gattuso stated.
With these words, the legendary Italian confirmed that the Lisbon club was ready to let their player go, but the final choice of destination was up to Ivanović himself. The loan to Lens with an option to buy represents a significant step forward for the attacker, who will get the chance to prove himself in the French league.
The key reason Ivanović turned down Lazio's offers lies in the opportunity to play in the Champions League. Lens will compete in Europe's elite competition next season, which was crucial for the Croatian international. Gattuso admitted that his club may have reacted too late: "Maybe we made a mistake; we should have spoken to the player earlier." The Italian tactician added, "What should we do? Nothing."
Interestingly, Ivanović's saga also involved English club Hull City, where Sergej Jakirović is the head coach. Benfica had already agreed on a loan with an option to buy, but the striker decided to wait for an offer from Spanish side Real Betis, who also secured a Champions League spot. However, no concrete offer from Seville arrived, and Hull eventually pulled out of negotiations, paving the way for Lazio. But in the end, Lens emerged and offered what mattered most to Ivanović – the European stage.
The same day brought news of a new role for Igor Bišćan. He has been appointed as the head coach of the UAE U-23 national team. Bišćan will thus continue his coaching career in the Middle East, taking charge of the country's youth squad.
The transfer window in Croatia officially runs until September 7, leaving clubs in the SHNL and lower leagues nearly a month to make additional signings and register new players.
