Benfica Seals Record-Breaking Deal for Croatian Striker Franjo Ivanović

SL Benfica has finalized a landmark transfer agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise for Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović, marking a new record for the Belgian club. The deal, confirmed on Tuesday, involves a fixed fee of €23 million, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons, alongside a sell-on clause for future profit. Ivanović, 21, is set to undergo a medical in Lisbon today before signing a contract that will keep him at the Estádio da Luz until June 2030.Ivanović’s rapid rise in European football has been impressive. After joining Union Saint-Gilloise from HNK Rijeka for €4 million in 2024, he scored 20 goals and provided 5 assists in 46 appearances, playing a pivotal role in their Belgian Pro League title win. His international debut for Croatia in March 2025, where he netted 2 goals in 4 caps, further elevated his profile.

Benfica, renowned for nurturing talent for lucrative sales, views Ivanović as a long-term asset. The transfer outpaces Union’s previous record sale of Victor Boniface in 2023. Despite interest from Premier League clubs like Wolves, Benfica’s swift negotiations secured the deal, reinforcing their strategy of investing in young stars with resale potential.