Betis explore Ivanović move while avoiding 22.8 million Benfica price | OneFootball

Real Betis have contacted Benfica over Franjo Ivanović, though the Lisbon club want to recoup much of the 22.8 million euros spent in 2025, according to La Colina De Nervion.

Benfica paid 22.8 million euros to Union Saint-Gilloise for the 22-year-old and have him under contract until 2030. They will listen to bids but do not plan to sell cheap, with his market value near 15 million euros and no pressure to accept that drop.

Betis first explored a loan with an option to buy. A permanent transfer, or a loan with an obligation to buy that defers payment, are also under study.

Ivanović’s situation points to a move. Vangelis Pavlidis is a fixture, Jhon Durán has arrived and Benfica want space for Anísio Cabral, while Marco Silva usually fields one striker.

He ended his first season in Portugal with eight goals and two assists, below expectations for a major 2025 signing. The previous year at Union Saint-Gilloise brought 21 goals and 7 assists in 47 matches, central to their title and European run.

For Betis, this would be an investment rather than mere cover for Cucho Hernández, given his age, a deal to 2030 and Croatia experience.

Galatasaray are studying a move, with Como and Hull City also enquiring. No bid has yet convinced Benfica, making a simple loan unlikely, so Betis must judge whether the deal can work without nearing 22.8 million euros.

Source: La Colina De Nervion