Nigerian forward Gift Orban has become a hot topic in the transfer market, with VfB Stuttgart and AC Milan reportedly keen on securing his services.
The 22-year-old has found game time hard to come by at Lyon this season, despite netting two goals.
Orban has been ostracised from the Lyon' squad after struggling to make an impact in a team enduring its own challenges this season.
While his raw talent and potential are evident, the lack of consistent playing time has stunted his development. Despite this, his ability to score in limited opportunities has not gone unnoticed by major European clubs.
Stuttgart's interest: Filling a Guirassy-shaped hole
Currently ninth in the Bundesliga with 16 points from 11 matches, Stuttgart have scored 21 goals—the sixth-best tally in the league.
However, their ambitions to secure European football demand more firepower.
The departure of Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy, who scored a remarkable 28 league goals last season, has left a significant void in their attack.
Guirassy’s departure impacted both Stuttgart's structure and potency in front of goal, and Orban is being eyed as a potential solution.
Stuttgart’s reliance on direct, high-energy attacking football makes the Lyon man a suitable fit, especially considering his agility, low centre of gravity, and knack for taking on defenders.
Orban’s ability to shoot quickly and frequently, combined with his dribbling skills, could add variety to Stuttgart’s attacking play and complement their existing setup.
What Orban offers Milan
AC Milan are also monitoring Orban as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Sitting in seventh position in Serie A, Milan are only the sixth-highest-scoring team in the league—a far cry from the high-scoring teams of Milan's glory days.
Their interest in Orban stems from his distinct profile compared to their current strikers.
Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata, who lead the line for Milan, offer more traditional hold-up play and aerial strength.
Orban, on the other hand, is a more dynamic forward who thrives on quick movements, sharp turns, and early shooting.
His style also contrasts with Rafael Leão’s wing-centric play and could provide Milan with a different attacking focal point.
What’s next for Gift Orban?
Orban’s undeniable talent has attracted attention from these two high-profile clubs, despite his struggles at Lyon.
His career trajectory suggests room for improvement and a potential for growth if given the right environment.
However, there are areas where Orban must improve to thrive at Stuttgart or Milan.
His work ethic and personality have been points of concern, and adapting to the demands of clubs with high expectations will be essential for his success.
Both Stuttgart and Milan present unique opportunities: the former offers a chance to rebuild confidence in a dynamic system, while the latter provides a platform to showcase his skills on the grandest stages of European football.
