Manuel Pellegrini ‘to use’ Champions League lure to sign Benfica forward Franjo Ivanovic | OneFootball

Real Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, are targeting Benfica forward Franjo Ivanovic and hope the lure of Champions League football helps win the race.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Spanish club have opened initial talks with Benfica for the Croatia international this summer.

Betis are prepared to negotiate a permanent transfer, a model that aligns with Benfica’s preference. It remains unclear whether any deal would be an outright sale or a loan with an obligation to buy.

Benfica, led by Rui Costa, want to recover a significant share of the €22.8 million paid to Union Saint-Gilloise last summer for Ivanovic. Their financial demands will be decisive in any outcome.

The 22-year-old also has admirers elsewhere. Lazio have been linked in Italy, while Galatasaray continue to monitor him. Despite interest from Türkiye and the player’s openness to Istanbul, Benfica have yet to receive a formal bid from the champions of Türkiye.

Ivanovic made 48 appearances last season, scoring eight goals and supplying two assists. He had hoped for a bigger role under Marco Silva, but Jhon Durán’s arrival has limited his opportunities up front.

Source: Glorioso 1904