Published on 11/26/2024 at 7:31 p.m.
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Passionate about sport and more particularly football since my early childhood.
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The journey of Gift Orban at Olympique Lyonnais has experienced ups and downs in less than a year. Arrived in January 2024 from La Gantoise for an amount of 12 million eurosthe Nigerian striker was considered one of the rising stars of the Jupiler League. However, his debut at Lyon was delicatemarked by a lack of success despite his efforts. In 16 appearances in all competitions, he has only scored 3 buts without delivering the slightest decisive pass.
© OL official website
A complicated 2024-2025 season
Despite interest from Trabzonspor during the summer transfer window, Orban remained at OL. Unfortunately, his situation has not improved this season. With only 5 apparitions under the orders of Pierre Sage, he found the net at 2 reprises. Worse still, he was removed from the group after commenting on a publication by his former teammate Sinaly Diomandé, a gesture that the club did not appreciate. “Excuse me OL fans, it was by mistake that I made this comment. It’s just to encourage my friend,” he justified himself.
Turkish and German suitors
Faced with his limited playing time and this incident, Orban's future in Lyon seems compromised. Rumors have emerged of interest from AC Milan, although unconfirmed. However, according to the Turkish press, Galatasaray is closely monitoring his situation. The Istanbul club, looking for offensive reinforcements after Icardi's injuries and the possible departure of Osimhen, plans to associate him with his Nigerian compatriot. Moreover, Stuttgart in Germany also checked his name to compensate for his numerous absences in attack.
A potential sale to replenish the coffers
These external interests could represent a financial opportunity for OL, which must replenish its coffers after its problems with the DNCG. Gift Orban is high on the list of transferable players, and a departure this winter could prove beneficial for all parties involved. Although promising upon his arrival, his time in Lyon did not live up to expectations, opening the way to two potential exit doors in Turkey or Germany.
