Lyon secure deal for Nigerian star Gift Orban

Nigerian striker Gift Orban has agreed terms on a contract with Olympique Lyon and has signed a long-term deal at the club, as he departs Belgian side Gent for a transfer fee of around 13.5 million euros. Orban, who turns 22 in July, came through the ranks at his youth club in Nigeria before moving to Norwegian side Stabaek in 2021. An impressive 2022-23 campaign in Norway saw the player bag 16 goals in 22 league games and eventually transfer to Belgium.

Orban has caught the eye in Belgium with Gent, and bagged an impressive 18 goals in 33 games since moving to the club in January 2023. After just one year, Orban has improved dramatically but has yet to receive international recognition, even though Nigeria's national team selection committee has been tracking the striker's progress closely.

Orban is extremely highly rated and Lyon are hopeful that he will provide the goals that help drag the struggling French outfit away from the relegation zone. In recent weeks, Orban has drawn comparison with fellow Nigerian marksman Victor Osimhen, who plays for Napoli and is seen as one of the best strikers in world football.