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Nigerian striker Gift Orban could exit his Ligue 1 side, Olympique Lyonnais, this January, barely two seasons after joining the French side.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Bundesliga side Hoffenheim is on the verge of securing a deal for Gift Orban ahead of the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old forward, who is currently under contract with Olympique Lyonnais, is expected to make the move during the upcoming January transfer window.
In his update on the situation, Romano indicated that Hoffenheim is actively engaged in advanced negotiations to bring Gift Orban to Germany, suggesting that an agreement is imminent.
He wrote in a post on his X page, “Hoffenheim are in advanced talks to sign Gift Orban as a new striker from Olympique Lyon. Negotiations are underway.”
This statement highlights Hoffenheim’s determination to finalize the transfer, as they emerge as the frontrunners in pursuit of the talented forward amidst interest from other clubs, including Turkish teams.
Orban’s tenure at Lyon has been marked by challenges, as he has struggled to secure a consistent starting role since joining the club.
Lyon signed Orban for approximately €14 million from Belgian Pro League outfit KAA Gent in January 2023, but his time at the French side has been disappointing. In his brief stint with the team, he has only managed to score twice in five appearances, failing to meet the expectations that accompanied his transfer.
Moreover, Lyon are currently under financial strain and are expected to offload several players in January to alleviate some of their fiscal pressures. This could further facilitate Orban’s exit as the club looks to restructure their squad and get back on a stable financial footing.
This potential move to Hoffenheim could provide Orban with the opportunity for regular playing time, enabling him to rejuvenate his career in a competitive league like the Bundesliga.
