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Gift Orban, the Super Eagles forward, has officially completed his transfer to German Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim from Olympique Lyon. The deal, confirmed on January 2, 2025, is valued at €9 million, with potential bonuses that could raise the total fee to €12 million. Orban’s move marks a significant step in his career as he seeks to revitalize his performance after a challenging stint in France.
Orban joined Lyon last year from KAA Gent for an initial fee of €14 million, following an impressive season in Belgium where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess. However, his time at Lyon did not go as planned; he managed only five goals in 21 appearances and had not featured since September 2024. As a result, Lyon deemed him surplus to requirements and sought to offload him during the January transfer window.
Hoffenheim emerged as the most compelling option for Orban, despite interest from other clubs, including RC Lens. The club’s managing director for sport, Andreas Schicker, expressed enthusiasm about Orban’s arrival, stating, “With Gift Orban, we have found exactly the kind of pacey striker we were looking for.” Schicker emphasized that Orban’s speed and scoring ability would enhance Hoffenheim’s attacking options as they aim to improve their league standing.
The transfer process involved several weeks of negotiations between Hoffenheim and Lyon. Ultimately, both clubs reached an agreement that satisfied Lyon’s financial demands while providing Hoffenheim with the striker they needed. The deal includes a profit-sharing clause that allows Lyon to benefit from any future transfer involving Orban.
Upon arriving in Germany to finalize the deal, Orban expressed his excitement about joining Hoffenheim and the opportunity to compete in one of Europe’s top leagues. “I am thrilled to be here and can’t wait to contribute to Hoffenheim’s success,” he stated. The Nigerian forward is expected to make his Bundesliga debut soon and is eager to prove himself after a difficult period in Ligue 1.
