Fabrizio Romano confirms Hoffenheim on the verge of signing Nigerian striker Gift Orban
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Bundesliga club Hoffenheim is nearing a deal to sign Nigerian striker Gift Orban.
Romano reported on Thursday, December 19, 2024, that Hoffenheim is in advanced talks with Lyon over a transfer for the 22-year-old forward, with the agreement expected to be finalized in the upcoming January transfer window.
“Hoffenheim are in advanced talks to sign Gift Orban as a new striker from Olympique Lyon. Negotiations underway,” Romano shared on X. “The agreement is considered close as they’re the most concrete team working on a deal with OL, despite links with Turkish clubs too.”
Orban has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, VFB Stuttgart, and Turkish side Trabzonspor. However, his time at Lyon has been underwhelming, as he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Lyon had signed Orban from Belgian Pro League club KAA Gent for approximately €14 million in January 2023, but the forward has only scored twice in five appearances. Lyon, facing financial difficulties, is under pressure to sell players during the January window.
