Official | Lens announce loan for Benfica’s Franjo Ivanović

Official | Lens announce loan for Benfica’s Franjo Ivanović RC Lens have officially announced the arrival of Franjo Ivanović (22) from SL Benfica on a loan deal without an option to buy. The Croatian striker marks the sixth signing that Lens have made in this transfer window, with the team in need of reinforcements following multiple exits in the months following the season’s end.  Lens had to beat off competition from Lazio to secure Ivanović’s signature. Les Sang et Or were certainly helped by their ability to offer the forward a chance to continue his experience in the UEFA Champions League, having made seven appearances in the competition last season.  Last year represented a mixed campaign for the Croatian following his move from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Life in Portugal started brightly with the forward scoring on his debut in the UEFA Champions League qualifier against French side OGC Nice.  He was regularly in the team at the start of the season, particularly in the league. However, following the dismissal of Bruno Lage and the arrival of José Mourinho in mid-September, starts became far harder for Ivanović to come by. He would make 42 appearances, scoring nine and assisting three across all competitions, but would only make 15 starts in total (six of which came before Mourinho’s appointment).  GFFN | Nick Hartland