Report: Hull City make move for Benfica star | OneFootball

Hull City Close In on Ivanovic Transfer as Benfica Deal Takes Shape

Hull City are moving closer to a deal for Ivanovic, with discussions ongoing with Benfica over a transfer structure that would ultimately take the package to at least €25 million, according to Record.

The Croatian striker appears destined for English football, with the Championship club working through the final details of an agreement that would allow Benfica to recoup the investment made in the player last summer. While the transfer is not yet completed, the broad outline of the move is becoming clearer.

Ivanovic transfer structure emerging

The proposed arrangement is understood to centre on a paid loan, followed by an obligation to buy. That format often gives buying clubs a little more flexibility around timing and accounting, while still providing the selling club with confidence that the transfer will become permanent.

What remains under negotiation are the exact conditions that will trigger the mandatory purchase. Those details can often shape how quickly a move is finalised, particularly when clubs want clarity over appearances, promotion outcomes, or other performance-related benchmarks.

Hull City pursuing striker addition

From Hull City’s perspective, this looks like an ambitious play. A package of at least €25 million, roughly £21.5 million, signals serious intent in the market and suggests the club see Ivanovic as a major attacking piece rather than a squad option. For a side looking to improve its cutting edge, landing a number nine with this level of backing would be a statement.

For Benfica, the deal would represent a clean financial recovery on a player signed only a year ago. That matters in a market where clubs are constantly balancing sporting decisions with sustainability and squad planning.

Next steps in Benfica talks

There is still work to do before the transfer can be considered done, but the direction of travel is obvious. Clubs are now focused on refining the remaining terms, and there is a sense that completion may depend more on mechanics than on principle.

If those final points are settled, Hull City could soon have their striker, and one of the more eye-catching deals involving an English club this window will have crossed the line.

Our View

As a Hull supporter, this is the kind of report that immediately grabs your attention. If the numbers are accurate, then Hull are clearly trying to act with real ambition. You do not commit to a structure worth at least €25 million, around £21.5 million, unless you believe the player can transform your attack and raise the level of the whole side.

The most interesting part is the deal format. A paid loan with an obligation to buy feels smart if the club want to manage risk slightly while still getting the player in early. It also suggests confidence from Benfica that the move will go through in full. That alone makes this feel more advanced than the usual speculative links.

From a fan perspective, the biggest hope is that Hull are targeting a striker ready to make a difference straight away. Too often clubs in this division search for value and end up with projects. This sounds more like a decisive move for someone expected to lead the line, handle pressure, and deliver goals.

There will naturally be questions over how the finances fit, what conditions are attached, and whether the player adapts quickly to English football. But if Hull pull this off, supporters will be entitled to feel excited. It would send a message that the club are thinking bigger, and that is exactly what fans want to see.

Source: Record