Orban: Euro 2024 star arrives to further undermine struggling Nigerian striker at Lyon

Published on by Godfred Budu

Reports in the French media suggest that 21-year-old Nigerian forward Gift Orban may be on the verge of departing Olympique Lyon or facing limited game time in the upcoming season.

Orban joined Lyon at the beginning of the season after an impressive stint with Belgian club Gent, where he netted 18 goals in 33 appearances last season.

Brought in as the ideal replacement for club legend Alexandre Lacazette, who is approaching the twilight of his career, Orban has unfortunately fallen short of expectations.

There remains a prevailing sentiment that the Nigeria international may not be the right fit for the club. He has struggled in his appearances, often cutting an anonymous figure on the pitch.

Gift Orban, Alexander Lacazette @ Icon Sport
Photo by Icon Sport

As a result, Lacazette received less rest than coach Pierre Sage would have preferred. Despite being signed for a substantial fee, many Lyon supporters believe Orban's lacklustre performances have not justified the investment.

Gift Orban made 13 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon during the 2023/24 season, starting five matches and scoring one goal.

Mikautadze set to replace for Gift Orban at Lyon

French outlet L'Equipe reports that Lyon and Metz have reached an agreement on an €18 million transfer for Georgia international Georges Mikautadze.

Georges Mikautadze @ Icon Sport
Photo by Icon Sport

The 23-year-old is expected to undergo his medical on Tuesday and sign a five-year deal with the former Ligue 1 champions.

Mikautadze scored 13 goals and provided four assists for Metz in 20 Ligue 1 games, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the club from being relegated.

In the recently concluded Euro 2024, he emerged as one of the standout players of the tournament, netting three goals and registering one assist for Georgia in four games.

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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu is a Ghanaian sports journalist with over a decade of experience, offering a dynamic perspective on African football, particularly Nigerian football. A dedicated follower of Enyimba United, he has developed a deep understanding of the Nigerian football scene.

Godfred has contributed to prominent platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com, where his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of both Ghanaian and Nigerian football have earned him recognition.
Known for his passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy, he has become a trusted authority in sports journalism, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and expert insights into the African football landscape.

Holding a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, Godfred’s work continues to resonate with fans of both Ghanaian and Nigerian football, where his expertise stands out.