Reports in the French media suggest that a 21-year-old Nigerian forward Gift Orban could leave Olympique Lyon at the end of the season.
Orban was brought into the Lyon setup at the beginning of the season following some impressive performances for the Belgian club Gent, where he scored 18 goals in 33 appearances last season.
Signed as an ideal replacement for club legend Alexandre Lacazette, who is entering the twilight of his career, Orban has failed to live up to expectations.
There remains a sense that the Nigeria international is perhaps not good for the club. He has struggled when he has played, often cutting an anonymous figure.
This has meant Lacazette got less rest than what Pierre Sage probably would have liked. Signed for a stunning fee, many a Lyon faithful believe Orban's listless performances have not come close to justifying his fee.
Who might replace Gift Orban at Lyon?
Jeunes Footeux reports that Ajax forward Georges Mikautadze could be in line to replace Orban at Lyon.
The 23-year-old Georgia international, who is currently on loan from Ajax Amsterdam to Ligue 1 side Metz, has had a fantastic season.
He has directly contributed to 13 goals for Les Grenats, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists to his teammates in 16 games this term.
Funnily enough, Mikautadze took his first steps in football at Gerland before joining the academy of Olympique Lyon.
Mikautadze will be available to Lyon for a fee reported to be in the region of €10 million.
Why leaving Lyon could benefit Gift Orban
Orban finds himself at a crossroads in his career as he contemplates a potential departure from Lyon.
Despite his undeniable talent, the young forward has struggled to cement his place in the Lyon squad, making only 12 appearances out of 30 Ligue matches and scoring just one goal. To exacerbate matters, he has started in only four of those appearances.
At just 21 years old, Orban has time on his side to rejuvenate his career and fulfill his potential. A move away from the Groupama Stadium could provide him with the regular playing time he needs to develop and showcase his abilities on the pitch.
Considering his limited opportunities at Lyon, seeking a loan move to another club could be a strategic move for Orban to gain valuable experience and exposure at a higher level of competition.
Prior to his stint at Lyon, Orban was a subject of interest from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt and English Premier League side Fulham.
This indicates that he possesses qualities that attract attention from top European clubs. By exploring opportunities elsewhere, Orban could reignite the interest of these clubs and potentially secure a move that suits his career progression.
Narrowly missing out on the 2023 CAF Young Player of the Year award, Orban's nomination alongside other talented African footballers is a testament to his potential and promise.
A move away from Lyon could be the catalyst he needs to fulfil his ambitions and establish himself.
AFCON 2023 snub
Due to his outstanding performances for Gent, Orban was widely expected to secure a spot in Jose Peseiro's final AFCON 2023 squad after being initially named in the provisional squad. However, he was ultimately overlooked for selection.
Gift Orban: Super Eagles star or Togo's Sparrowhawk?
There were whispers about the omission, with some suggesting that Orban's indecisiveness about which national team to represent may have played a role, given that he is also eligible to play for Togo. He was born in Benue State, Nigeria, to a Nigerian father and a Togolese mother.
He was called up by Jose Peseiro for AFCON 2023 qualifier games against Sao Tome and Principe but was unable to play due to an injury sustained in a league game before the match held in Nigeria.
