Orban: Super Eagles invitee linked with Serie A return after Verona loan spell

Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban could be set for a return to Serie A during the summer transfer window as he prepares to leave Hellas Verona at the end of the season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 23-year-old joined Verona on a season-long loan deal from German club Hoffenheim last summer after struggling for regular playing time in the Bundesliga.

Orban has scored seven league goals in 28 appearances for Verona this season, making him the club’s leading scorer. However, he has missed their last four matches, including Sunday’s clash against champions Inter Milan.

His absence follows a suspension handed to him by Verona after an altercation with one of the club’s supporters following a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan last month. Reports claim the situation escalated after the supporter struck Orban’s car, leading to a physical confrontation between the two before club staffs intervened.

The Nigerian forward has since been serving disciplinary sanctions from the club and is also training separately from the main squad.

Bologna leading race to sign Nigerian forward Gift Orban

Before the incident with the fan, Gift Orban’s future appeared settled, with Verona keen on keeping him permanently. However, the situation has now changed and the Nigeria-eligible striker is expected to return to Hoffenheim at the end of the campaign.

The 23-year-old was once one of Nigeria’s most promising youngsters after his impressive spell at Belgian side Gent. However, his move to Lyon in 2024 marked the beginning of a difficult period that has slowed his development.

Despite still being under contract at Hoffenheim until 2029, the German club are willing to part ways with him permanently this summer as he is no longer part of their long-term plans.

2025 Coppa Italia champions Bologna are now frontrunners for Orban’s signature and are keen to bring him back to Serie A when the transfer window opens. The club are looking to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season as they push for another European qualification spot and the 23-year-old is viewed as a player capable of providing competition for first-choice striker Santiago Castro.

The Nigerian forward scored seven goals for a side battling relegation in his debut Serie A campaign and would even thrive more in a stronger team with better attacking support.

A move to Bologna would also offer Orban an ideal opportunity to rebuild his career and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards during his early years.