Super Eagles forward Gift Orban has arrived in Germany to complete the final stages of his transfer from Olympique Lyon to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
Orban, who joined Lyon from KAA Gent last year in a deal worth around €14 million, has struggled to make a significant impact in France, scoring just five goals in 21 appearances.
Despite a promising start to his career at Gent, the 21-year-old forward has found it difficult to adapt to life in Ligue 1 and has been deemed surplus to requirements by the club.
With his future at Lyon uncertain, Orban attracted interest from a number of European clubs, but Hoffenheim emerged as the frontrunner.
The German side, currently ranked 15th in the Bundesliga standings, has reportedly agreed to a deal worth approximately €10 million for the Nigerian striker.
This marks a significant loss for Lyon, who had initially paid €12 million for Orban’s services last year, with additional bonuses raising the total fee to €14 million.
Transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto have confirmed that only minor details remain before the deal is finalized.
Hoffenheim is now focused on completing the formalities and securing Orban’s signature, with the player expected to make his Bundesliga debut in the coming weeks.
Orban’s transfer to Hoffenheim offers a fresh start and the opportunity to regain his form in a competitive league, as Lyon prepares to move on from the young forward’s short stint in France.
