Latest news with #FranjoIvanovic
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wolves Challenge Benfica with Bid for 24-Goal Serbian Forward
Wolves Test Benfica's Resolve with Late Move for Franjo Ivanovic In a summer where Wolverhampton Wanderers are reshaping their squad with precision and purpose, the pursuit of Franjo Ivanovic signals a growing confidence in the project under Vitor Pereira. The Serbian striker has long been tipped for a move to Benfica, but Wolves' financial clout has added an unexpected twist to the tale. As reported by Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, although Ivanovic still prefers a move to Lisbon, Wolves' 'financial power' is giving him pause for thought. It is a classic tug-of-war between footballing tradition and Premier League muscle. Benfica offer Champions League nights and a rich history of nurturing strikers. Wolves offer wages, Premier League exposure and an increasingly ambitious outlook. Goalscorer on the Rise Ivanovic enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 season with Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring 24 goals and establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising forwards. At 21, he represents potential and pedigree, with several top-tier clubs monitoring his trajectory. Benfica acted first, reportedly agreeing personal terms on a three-year contract, but have struggled to meet the Belgian side's £21.6 million valuation. That delay may yet cost them. Union SG are open to dealing with the highest bidder, and Wolves, buoyed by over £100 million raised through the sales of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri, have the spending power to push their way to the front of the queue. Wolves' Summer Strategy Shaping Up Pereira's Wolves are not sitting still. They have already converted Jacob Strand Larsen's loan into a permanent deal, added Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo and secured Jhon Arias, one of the stars of Fluminense's Club World Cup campaign. These are smart additions that point towards a more dynamic, creative Wolves in the months ahead. Ivanovic, however, would be the marquee. Young, direct, and proven at senior level, his arrival would signal Wolves' intent not only to stabilise but to push higher. With Nelson Semedo departing, Wolves are also in the market for a right-back, though the pursuit of Ivanovic may now take centre stage. Benfica Reputation Faces Premier League Reality For Ivanovic, the decision is not simple. Benfica's track record in developing strikers is unrivalled. From Darwin Núñez to Gonçalo Ramos, Lisbon has long been a springboard for greater things. Benfica's presence in the Champions League adds an extra lure, offering continental football of the highest calibre. Photo: IMAGO But Wolves' interest is serious, and the Premier League remains a compelling stage. Tavolieri's insight that 'Wolves' financial power is making him hesitate' is telling. This is not simply about money, but also opportunity. At Molineux, Ivanovic could lead the line from day one. In Lisbon, he may need to fight for his place in a deeper squad. Decision Could Define Wolves' Ambitions Whether Ivanovic chooses Lisbon or Wolverhampton, his decision will be watched closely across Europe. For Wolves, successfully hijacking a deal from a club of Benfica's standing would underline their growing status. For Benfica, missing out may expose how delicate the balance has become between history and modern finance. One thing is clear: Wolves are not here to make up the numbers. With Premier League money and a clear vision under Vitor Pereira, they are aiming to punch harder and smarter in this summer's market. Our View – EPL Index Analysis For Wolves fans, this feels like a move we should be going all in on. Ivanovic ticks every box. He is young, powerful, clinical and has that raw edge that can make a striker really exciting in the Premier League. Benfica are a big name, yes, but Wolves can offer him a league that truly tests his talent week in, week out. With the cash from Cunha and Aït-Nouri's exits, there's no excuse not to be bold. We've seen too many young talents slip away because the club hesitated or lowballed. That cannot happen this time. Pereira is clearly building something fresh, and Ivanovic would slot right in. Give him the No.9 shirt, let him lead the line and let Molineux see a player on the rise, not one boxed into a development role elsewhere. If this deal comes off, it could be one of the smartest pieces of business Wolves have done in years.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Union Saint-Gilloise wins Belgian first division after 90 years
Union Saint-Gilloise won its first Belgian league title in 90 years with a 3-1 victory over Gent on Sunday. Promise David scored twice and Franjo Ivanovic added another to help the small Brussels club secure its first league title since 1935. Union entered the final round of the championship play-offs with a one-point lead and after near misses in the past three seasons. In 2022 and in 2024, Union led the regular season standings but then faded in the play-offs to let Club Brugge take the title. The 2023 title race had a dramatic ending when a helicopter carrying league officials and the trophy had to turn away from Union's tiny Joseph Marien Stadium. Only Union and Brugge were in title contention on Sunday. Brugge drew 1-1 with Antwerp to finish in second place, three points behind. Union had a slow start to the season under new coach Sébastien Pocognoli, after more sales of star players for eight-figure fees. Led by goals from David, Union moved up to third in the regular season standings. Union surged with a run of five shutouts, including a 1-0 win at Brugge on April 24, to go to the top of the standings for the first time.
Winnipeg Free Press
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Union Saint-Gilloise wins first Belgian league title in 90 years
BRUSSELS (AP) — Union Saint-Gilloise won its first Belgian league title in 90 years with a 3-1 victory over Gent on Sunday. Promise David scored twice and Franjo Ivanovic added another to help the small Brussels club secure its first league title since 1935. Union entered the final round of the championship playoffs with a one-point lead and after near misses in the past three seasons. In 2022 and in 2024, Union led the regular season standings but then faded in the playoffs to let Club Brugge take the title. The 2023 title race had a dramatic ending when a helicopter carrying league officials and the trophy had to turn away from Union's tiny Joseph Marien Stadium. Only Union and Brugge were in title contention on Sunday. Brugge drew 1-1 with Antwerp to finish in second place, three points behind. Union had a slow start to the season under new coach Sébastien Pocognoli, after more sales of star players for eight-figure fees. Led by goals from David, Union moved up to third in the regular season standings. Union surged with a run of five shutouts, including a 1-0 win at Brugge on April 24, to go to the top of the standings for the first time. ___ AP soccer:
National Post
26-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Canadian Promise David leads Union to first Belgian league title in 90 years
Article content BRUSSELS — Union Saint-Gilloise sealed its first Belgian league title in 90 years with a 3-1 win over Genk on Sunday. Article content Article content Promise David, of Brampton, Ont., scored twice and Franjo Ivanovic added another goal to help the small Brussels club secure its first league title since 1935. Article content Union entered the final round of the championship playoffs with a one-point lead and after near misses in the past three seasons. Article content In 2022 and in 2024 Union led the regular season standings then faded in the playoffs to let Club Brugge take the title. The epic 2023 title race had a dramatic ending when a helicopter carrying league officials and the trophy had to turn away from Union's tiny Joseph Marien Stadium. Article content Only Union and Brugge were in title contention on Sunday. Brugge drew 1-1 with Antwerp to finish in second place, three points behind. Article content Union had a slow start to the season under new coach Pocognoli, after more sales of star players for eight-figure fees. Led by goals from David, Union moved up to third in the regular season standings. Article content
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Union Saint-Gilloise wins first Belgian league title in 90 years
Union Saint-Gilloise sealed its first Belgian league title in 90 years with a 3-1 win over Genk on Sunday. Promise David scored twice and Franjo Ivanovic added another goal to help the small Brussels club secure its first league title since 1935. Union entered the final round of the championship playoffs with a one-point lead and after near misses in the past three seasons. In 2022 and in 2024 Union led the regular season standings then faded in the playoffs to let Club Brugge take the title. The epic 2023 title race had a dramatic ending when a helicopter carrying league officials and the trophy had to turn away from Union's tiny Joseph Marien Stadium. Only Union and Brugge were in title contention on Sunday. Brugge drew 1-1 with Antwerp to finish in second place, three points behind. ALSO READ | Ancelotti arrives in Brazil to take over as head coach of the national team Union had a slow start to the season under new coach Pocognoli, after more sales of star players for eight-figure fees. Led by goals from David, Union moved up to third in the regular season standings. This time, Genk was the leader that collapsed in the playoffs. Union surged with a run of five clean sheets, including a 1-0 win at Brugge on April 24, to go top for the first time.
