Bundesliga side Hoffenheim have secured the signing of Nigerian forward Gift Orban from French club Lyon for a reported fee of nine million euros ($9.2 million), the Ligue 1 club confirmed on Thursday.
The 22-year-old joins the German outfit after a challenging spell in Lyon, where his time at the club was marked by limited playing opportunities.
Orban made the move to Lyon in 2023 from Belgian side Gent, where he had enjoyed a standout season, scoring 19 goals in 20 appearances.
However, his time at Lyon failed to live up to expectations. Despite showing flashes of his talent, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, netting five goals in 21 appearances for the French club.
Since September, Orban has not featured in Lyon’s league matches, which led to the decision to part ways. “We wish Gift well in his new adventure,” Lyon said in a statement following the confirmation of the transfer.
Hoffenheim, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options for the second half of the season, have expressed confidence that Orban’s attributes will significantly bolster their squad. The club’s director of football, Andreas Schicker, highlighted the qualities that Orban brings to the team.
“In Gift Orban, we have found exactly the fast striker with the necessary qualities that we were looking for,” Schicker said. “His pace and ability to stretch the opposition will give us greater variety in attack, and we believe that his skills will complement the rest of our squad.”
Orban’s addition comes as Hoffenheim looks to improve their attacking depth. The Nigerian forward’s pace and versatility in the forward line are seen as vital assets in Hoffenheim’s bid to increase their offensive threat in the Bundesliga.
The signing of Orban is seen as a fresh start for the Nigerian international, who will now look to make a positive impact in Germany after a challenging period in France.
Hoffenheim fans are eager to see how the young striker adapts to the Bundesliga’s competitive environment, where he will hope to build on his potential and establish himself as a regular in the team.
With the Bundesliga resuming after the winter break, Orban’s arrival provides Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo with an additional weapon in the forward line.
Hoffenheim’s hopes of improving their standings in the league will now rely, in part, on how quickly Orban can adjust to the fast-paced nature of German football and rediscover his form.
The transfer reflects Hoffenheim’s ambition to strengthen their squad and push for a higher position in the league table.
Fans will be watching closely as Orban embarks on a new chapter of his career, hoping he can bring the dynamism and goalscoring ability that he previously showcased in Belgium.
With both clubs having gone their separate ways after a short but eventful relationship, the pressure now falls on Orban to prove his worth in the Bundesliga as Hoffenheim seek to unlock his full potential.
