Gift Orban: Why Venezia’s striker pursuit could push Nigeria-eligible star into uncertainty 

Nigeria-eligible forward Gift Orban continues to face uncertainty over his long-term future ahead of the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Orban’s career has taken a downward turn after several unsuccessful moves in recent years. After his breakthrough spell in Belgium, he joined Olympique Lyonnais in January 2024 but his time in France did not go as planned and he left after one year.

He moved to German side Hoffenheim, but that switch also failed to produce the expected result before he eventually joined Hellas Verona on a loan deal last summer.

The 23-year-old showed glimpses of his quality at the club and scored seven goals in his first 28 Serie A matches, standing out as one of their best performers in a difficult season. 

Verona were initially considering making his move permanent after an impressive spell, but the Italian club changed their stance after Orban was involved in a physical altercation with a supporter following a league defeat to AC Milan in April. He was subsequently handed a club suspension, which ruled him out of the final matches of the campaign.

Venezia’s striker plans could reshape Orban’s future

Newly promoted Serie A side Venezia FC had shown interest in signing Gift Orban ahead of their return to the Italian top flight and were initially considering a deal for the Nigerian-eligible forward.

However, reports from Italy via Tuttomercatoweb reveal that the Winged Lions are now prioritizing other attacking targets. They are expected to now consider either Stephan El Shaarawy or Niclas Füllkrug as their main striker options this summer and will only move for Orban if they fail to sign any of the two experienced forwards.

El Shaarawy is currently a free agent after leaving AS Roma and is very experienced in Serie A, having spent most of his career in Italy. However, he is also reportedly keen on a return to his boyhood club Genoa, although Venezia still believe they have a chance to secure his signature.

Füllkrug, meanwhile, is expected to leave West Ham United permanently after his loan spell at AC Milan, with Venezia also monitoring his situation closely. 

Where this leaves Gift Orban

Gift Orban’s future had initially appeared set to be resolved early in the transfer window. Venezia’s interest meant that he could seal a possible return to Serie A, where he previously showed promise in a struggling Verona side.

However, with two forwards now ahead of him, his chances of joining Venezia now appear uncertain. Although the 23-year-old represents a more affordable option compared to El Shaarawy and Füllkrug, concerns over his discipline could also influence Venezia’s decision-making.

He has already been deemed surplus to requirements at Hoffenheim last season and will now be looking for alternative options to join this summer. Orban is currently valued at around €7 million according to Transfermarkt, although the German club could be open to a cheaper deal in order to facilitate a move. 

Orban will now be weighing up his options and carefully considering his next move as he looks to revive the early promise he once showed in his career.