Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and VfB Stuttgart have entered the fray to secure Nigerian forward Gift Orban, who could be on the move this January.
Reports suggest that the 21-year-old is likely to depart Olympique Lyon after struggling to establish himself at the Ligue 1 club.
Lyon, who signed Orban from KAA Gent for €14 million in January 2023, had high hopes for the prolific striker after his stellar performances in Belgium, where he scored 32 goals and provided two assists in 52 appearances.
However, Orban’s time in France has been underwhelming, with the Nigerian scoring just five goals in 21 appearances across all competitions since joining the team.
This season has been particularly challenging for Orban, who has seen limited action under new manager Pierre Sage. His inability to break into the starting XI, combined with Lyon’s ongoing financial struggles, has led to speculation that the club is looking to offload him in the upcoming transfer window.
While mid-table Ligue 1 clubs may be interested in a loan deal, Orban’s talent has drawn interest from higher-profile teams, with Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and VfB Stuttgart reportedly monitoring his situation. Turkish side Trabzonspor is also rumoured to be in the race for the forward.
As Lyon weighs its options, Orban’s ability to impress before the transfer window could determine if he stays in Ligue 1 until the end of the season or embarks on a new journey in Europe.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
