Real Betis Frontrunner to Loan Franjo Ivanović from Benfica
The 22-year-old Croatian international could continue his career in La Liga, with interest also shown by Hull City, Como, and Galatasaray.
The 22-year-old Croatian international could continue his career in La Liga, with interest also shown by Hull City, Como, and Galatasaray.
Croatian national team player Franjo Ivanović (22) is increasingly close to a loan move from Lisbon's Benfica, with the most concrete interest coming from Spanish side Real Betis, according to the latest information. The news was reported on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, by Italian insider Lorenzo Lepore, whose claims are cited by 24sata and Jutarnji list.
The status of the Croatian striker within the ranks of the Portuguese giants has changed significantly in recent weeks. The club brought in Jhon Durán on loan from Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, further intensifying competition at the top of the attack. Benfica already counts on Vangelis Pavlidis, who was ahead of Ivanović last season, and according to Jutarnji list, 18-year-old Anísio Cabral is set to become the third option. This further narrows the playing opportunities for the Croatian international.
Benfica brought Ivanović in the summer of 2025 from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for €22.8 million. In his first season in Lisbon, he made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing two assists, totaling 1,437 minutes played.
According to insider Lepore, the Seville club wants to bring Ivanović on a one-year loan with an option to make the move permanent. The Spanish club has not yet disclosed the financial details of the potential deal or how far negotiations have progressed, but it is reported that they are actively working on completing the transfer. Betis could offer Ivanović exactly what he needs most ahead of the new season-consistent playing time in one of Europe's top leagues.
Interest in the former Union Saint-Gilloise striker shows no signs of waning. According to Jutarnji list, Turkish champions Galatasaray have also made inquiries in recent days, considering a loan offer with a €12 million option to buy plus an additional €3 million in bonuses. However, Benfica reportedly prefers a permanent transfer and is unwilling to accept a significant financial loss given the €22.8 million invested last summer.
According to 24sata, talks with the Portuguese club were also initiated earlier by newly promoted Premier League side Hull City, while Italian club Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, was mentioned as a possible destination. Based on the latest information, Betis remains the strongest candidate for his arrival.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) sent congratulations to Dr. Josip Varvodić on his election as president of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO). "The Croatian Football Federation extends its sincere congratulations to Dr. Josip Varvodić on his election as president of the Croatian Olympic Committee. We wish him great success in leading the umbrella organization of Croatian sports and believe that through joint work we will continue to contribute to the development and promotion of Croatian sports. In this, he will, of course, have the full support of the Croatian Football Federation," the HNS stated in a post on platform X.
