Lazio Make a Move for Young Benfica Striker | OneFootball

Lazio have reportedly added another centre-forward to their summer shortlist, targeting Benfica’s Franjo Ivanovic.

Lazio’s Striker Hunt Continues

After scoring only 41 goals in 38 Serie A rounds last season, the Biancocelesti are in dire need of firepower up front. Gennaro Gattuso identified AC Milan struggler Santiago Gimenez as his dream target, but it remains a complicated deal amid the club’s shaky financial situation.

West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug and Burnley’s Armando Broja were offered, but neither profile enticed the Aquile. The club was also linked with other profiles, like Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti, and Fluminense’s John Kennedy. But since Lazio haven’t made progress on any of the aforementioned tracks, it was only a matter of time before another name emerged.

Lazio Working on Signing Benfica’s Franjo Ivanovic

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Lazio have made significant moves for Ivanovic, who is open to leaving Benfica this summer, but is determined to find a club that guarantees him playing time. The source reveals that the Biancocelesti have requested an initial loan, so it remains to be seen if the Portuguese giants would be open to a temporary formula.

Ivanovic Career Path & Stats

Ivanovic is a Croatian player who was born in Schwaz, Austria. In 2015, he headed to Germany, joining Lowhald’s academy, before moving to Augsburg, where he eventually climbed his way up the ranks. After being released in 2023, the striker signed for HNK Rijeka in the Croatian top flight.

A year later, Ivanovic was on the move again, signing for Union Saint-Gilloise, cementing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Belgian league. He made 47 appearances, contributing with 21 goals and seven assists.

The Croatian’s exploits in Belgium earned him a €23 million transfer to Benfica in the summer of 2025. Although he wasn’t a regular starter under Jose Mourinho, he still went on to make 42 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. Ivanovic also has nine senior caps for Croatia and two international goals to his name.