Gift Orban: How Galatasaray goal triggers permanent Amed SK move

Gift Orban has secured his future at Amed SK after scoring against Galatasaray to trigger the Turkish club’s obligation to sign him permanently from TSG Hoffenheim.

The Nigerian striker scored in Amed SK’s 4-3 defeat to the Turkish champions at RAMS Park on Saturday, taking his Süper Lig tally to 10 goals this season.

Although Amed SK left Istanbul without a point, Orban had achieved a target that carries major financial and career implications.

His loan agreement included a clause requiring Amed SK to sign him permanently once he reached 10 league goals. With that target now met, the club must complete his transfer from Hoffenheim.

How Orban’s Galatasaray goal secured his Amed SK future

Amed SK signed Gift Orban on a season-long loan from Hoffenheim on July 27, offering the striker a fresh start after difficult spells in Germany and Italy.

The 24-year-old had fallen out of favour at Hoffenheim following an unsuccessful loan spell at Hellas Verona. His move to Turkey has since given his career a new direction.

Amed SK president Nahit Eren clarified the financial details of the agreement, confirming that the club paid Hoffenheim a €500,000 loan fee, with the permanent transfer fee set at €3 million (approximately ₦4.5 billion)

The club will pay the transfer fee in instalments over several years rather than in one lump sum. Orban’s salary package is worth €1 million.

His 10th league goal means Amed SK no longer have a choice over whether to exercise the purchase option. They are now obliged to sign him permanently.

Gift Orban: Süper Lig goal machine

Gift Orban has wasted little time making his mark in Turkish football.

The former Gent striker has scored 10 goals – including his strike against Galatasaray – and provided five assists in his first 11 Süper Lig appearances, making him the division’s most productive forwards.

His form has also put him in contention for the league’s Golden Boot, as he currently sits above compatriot Victor Osimhen and Trabzonspor star Mohamed Salah. In September, he won the Turkish League Goal of the Month award for a stunning long-range strike against Beşiktaş.

With his goals, newly promoted Amed SK have climbed to second on the Super Lig table, five points behind champions Galatasaray.

Interestingly, despite Orban’s goals, the former Lyon star has not been invited for Nigeria’s squad set to face Tanzania in two Africa Cup of Nations double-header next week.

Head coach Eric Chelle have opted for the quartet of Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Usor in Victor Osimhen’s absence.