Benfica reject loan move and prefer to sell player to Galatasaray | OneFootball

Franjo Ivanovic's future could see decisive developments in the coming days. According to the Turkish press, Galatasaray are preparing to step up negotiations with Benfica for the Croatian striker, who has been identified as one of the main targets to strengthen the Turkish champions' attack.

According to the newspaper Takvim, this will be a "critical week" for the outcome of the process. Galatasaray want to secure Ivanovic on loan, including a €12 million purchase option, plus a further €3 million subject to performance-related objectives.

However, Benfica's position is different. The SAD led by Rui Costa is prioritising a permanent transfer and for higher figures, taking into account the investment made around a year ago, when they signed the Croatian international from Union Saint-Gilloise for €22.8 million, a figure that could rise to €27.8 million through add-ons.

Despite the differences between the two clubs regarding the structure of the deal, Ivanovic is said to be open to the possibility of joining the four-time Turkish champions. The striker acknowledges that he needs an environment where he can play more regularly, something that is unlikely to happen if he remains at the Luz.

The striker's situation changed significantly with the arrival of Jhon Durán. The Colombian signing, loaned from Al Nassr, has increased the competition in the attacking department, where Vangelis Pavlidis remains Marco Silva's main reference point. In addition to the Greek international and Jhon Durán, Anísio Cabral is expected to remain as the third option for Benfica's attack, leaving Ivanovic with no room in the coach's plans and increasingly close to a departure in this summer transfer window.

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