Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Monday December 30, 2024 at 8:25 p.m.
Gift Orban's future at Olympique Lyonnais is up in the air.
The 22-year-old Nigerian striker, who arrived with high expectations, no longer figures in coach Pierre Sage's plans. Under contract until 2028, he has not played a single minute in Ligue 1 for three months, illustrating a delicate situation which pushes the club to actively seek a base for their player during the winter transfer market. RC Lens recently took a decisive step by proposing a first offer according to the Team. A proposal deemed insufficient by OL, who had invested 14 million euros (bonus included) to recruit the player from La Gantoise.
Hoffenheim in ambush
Despite a marked interest in the striker, revealed by his prolific performances in Belgium, the Lensois leaders remain cautious. Orban's difficulties in adapting to the French championship – only three goals in Ligue 1, including two this season – are cooling the enthusiasm of the Sang et Or. In this race, Hoffenheim seems better positioned. The German club, already the author of two offers, could soon approach Lyon's financial expectations. His latest proposal, valued at around 10 million euros, however remains slightly below OL's requirements.
Faced with this competition, Lens could be forced to increase its offer so as not to lose the opportunity to secure the services of the Nigerian. Despite its desire to separate from Orban, Olympique Lyonnais refuses to give in to haste and maintains a floor price of 12 million euros excluding bonuses. For his part, Gift Orban hopes for a rapid resolution to this impasse. The battle between Lens and Hoffenheim is intensifying, with each looking to offer the striker an opportunity to revive his career.
