Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Wednesday January 1, 2025 at 10:45 p.m.
The story between Gift Orban and Olympique Lyonnais is coming to an end.
The 22-year-old Nigerian striker will join Hoffenheim, a transfer estimated at 12 million euros, bonus included, according to the daily l'Equipe. This transaction marks a turning point for both clubs, but especially for the player, in search of a revival. Arriving in January 2024 for 14 million euros from La Gantoise, Gift Orban never managed to establish himself within the Lyon squad. In one year, its progress was hampered by fierce competition. Used sparingly, he has only played three matches in Ligue 1 this season. These performances were not enough to convince Pierre Sage, the OL coach, who gradually removed him from the group.
Gift Orban will relaunch in Germany
Throughout his time in Lyon, his record is far from expectations. During the second half of the 2023-2024 season, he had scored only one goal in 13 appearances, confirming his difficulties in adapting to Ligue 1. Losing speed and with no prospect of improvement, his departure became inevitable. Despite his lackluster performance, Gift Orban did not lack suitors. RC Lens had notably made an offer of 8 million euros, deemed insufficient by the Lyon leaders.
Hoffenheim, a mid-table club in the Bundesliga, was able to be more convincing with a proposal in line with OL's financial expectations. Subject to the successful completion of his medical examination, the Nigerian will sign up for four and a half years with the German club. For Olympique Lyonnais, this sale responds to a double necessity. Sportingly, Orban's departure helps clarify a congested offensive hierarchy. Financially, this is very good news for a club under the supervision of the DNCG, which imposes a reduction in payroll and income generation.
