In a transfer coup set to send shockwaves through the football world, Gift Orban, the prolific Nigerian striker, is on the brink of completing a permanent transfer to Olympique Lyonnais from KAA Gent.
The reported fee for this high-profile move is in the vicinity of €13 million, according to reputable sources such as L’Equipe, making it one of the noteworthy deals of the transfer window.
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Orban’s meteoric rise to prominence began with his move to KAA Gent from Stabaek in January 2023, where he quickly established himself as a goal-scoring sensation. Although several top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur from the Premier League, expressed interest in securing his services, a deal failed to materialize.
Now, the 21-year-old sensation is set to embark on a new chapter with Olympique Lyonnais, signing a contract that will bind him to the club until 2028.
While his goal-scoring prowess might have seen a slight dip this season, with 12 goals in 30 appearances for Gent, Orban’s exploits in the latter half of the previous season were nothing short of spectacular. The young striker netted an impressive 20 goals in 22 appearances, including a record-breaking European hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
A standout feat for Gift Orban in 2023 was his tally of five hat-tricks, surpassing renowned names such as Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. His arrival at Lyon injects fresh attacking vigor into a side currently languishing in 16th place in Ligue 1.
Tasked with aiding former Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette, Orban’s immediate mission is to bolster Lyon’s efforts to stave off relegation to Ligue 2.
As the deal nears completion, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the impact Gift Orban will make in the colors of Olympique Lyonnais, a move that could potentially reshape the landscape of French football.