Super Eagles striker Gift Orban has sealed a move to Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
The transfer is reportedly worth €9 million, with an additional €3 million in performance-related add-ons.
The 22-year-old Nigerian forward has signed a contract that will keep him at Hoffenheim until 2029, marking a fresh chapter in his promising career.
Orban’s time at Lyon was challenging, having joined the French club from Belgian side KAA Gent during the 2023/24 winter transfer window.
Despite a promising start, he struggled for game time this season, making only three appearances and scoring two goals.
A fallout with the club saw him frozen out of the squad for nearly three months, with his profile even removed from Lyon’s official website.
In total, Orban featured 21 times for Lyon, scoring five goals.
Hoffenheim delighted with Orban capture
Now at Hoffenheim, Orban faces another uphill task.
The German club currently sits precariously in 15th place on the Bundesliga table, just above the relegation zone.
Hoffenheim have struggled in attack this season, managing only 20 goals in 14 matches.
Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Schicker expressed his excitement about the signing of the Nigerian striker, who will don the number 14 jersey.
“We found in Gift Orban exactly the fast striker with good depth that we were looking for, “Schicker said.
“He has proven time and time again his goalscoring talent and his enjoyment of playing.
“We are therefore confident that he will bring our team greater offensive variability thanks to his abilities.”
Orban's direct running, fearlessness, and proven goal-scoring prowess will be crucial for Hoffenheim as they look to steer clear of relegation status.
