Bundesliga side VFB Stuttgart are reportedly considering a January move for Nigerian striker Gift Orban, who has endured a tough spell at Lyon since his €14 million transfer from Belgian side KAA Gent in January.
Orban was brought to Lyon with high expectations after a sensational one-year stint in Belgium, where he scored 32 goals and registered two assists in 52 appearances. He was signed to help the Ligue 1 side avoid relegation last season, but his impact has fallen short of expectations.
This season, Orban has struggled for game time, making just five appearances and scoring two goals. To make matters worse, he has only been included in Lyon’s matchday squad five times, fuelling speculation about his future at the club. Reports suggest Lyon are open to selling the 22-year-old in January as they seek to balance their books, with a €20 million price tag reportedly attached to the forward.
Stuttgart, the 2006 Bundesliga champions, are said to be keen on Orban as they aim to bolster their attack. The German side have struggled to replace Serhou Guirassy, who was sold to Borussia Dortmund last summer. Orban’s sharp finishing and impressive positional play could make him an ideal candidate to fill the void.
However, the price could prove a stumbling block, as Stuttgart may need to negotiate with Lyon to secure the former Super Eagles invitee. Orban is also linked with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, suggesting he could have multiple options to revive his career.
A move to Stuttgart would provide Orban with a fresh start in a competitive league, potentially reigniting the form that made him one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.
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.
