Exclusive Glorioso 1904 – Benfica chiefs disappointed by €20m signing | OneFootball

Franjo Ivanović, signed for around 22.8 million euros (plus objectives), joined Benfica to compete for a starting position with Vangelis Pavlidis and make a difference in the team's attack. However, his performances have fallen short of what the club's sports officials expected, our Journal has learned.

The management believed that the forward could bring a new offensive dynamic to the team, balancing the goal-scoring responsibility with his Greek teammate and offering a reliable alternative, but he has not been able to justify the high investment made, nor to consistently convince.

Internally, Benfica's SAD is starting to express concern over the player's lack of clear progression throughout the season, especially considering the transfer fee. The lack of effective impact has left the club's officials disappointed.

His stay at Luz has been marked by missed opportunities and inconsistent performances, which has led to some frustration in the higher echelons of the club. Rui Costa knows that, to justify the investment, it will be crucial for the Croatian to raise his level and show the potential that motivated his signing.

This season with Benfica, Franjo Ivanovic - valued at 20 million euros - has played 30 games: 15 in Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the Champions League, four in the Portuguese Cup, and two in the League Cup. In 1,110 minutes on the field, he has scored five goals and made one assist.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.