- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Gent striker Gift Orban is poised to sign for Lyon after a host of Premier League sides decided not to make a bid in recent days.
HITC Football understands that a number of Premier League clubs backed away from Gent striker Gift Orban, ahead of his impending move to Lyon.
HITC understands that Aston Villa, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham United, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers were all briefed by intermediaries this week as Lyon closed in on a deal.
Orban is understood to have been interested in a move to England, but whilst interest was there, nobody was willing to money on the table like Lyon have – who have agreed a deal worth just £10m with Gent.
Who is Gent striker Gift Orban?
Orban has been on a stunning path to prominence.
The 21-year-old striker was still with Nigerian side Bison in 2021 before being scouted by Stabaek, eventually completing a move to Norway in 2022.
Orban became an absolute sensation, smashing 16 goals in 22 league games to earn himself a January 2023 move to Gent.
The story continued as Orban hit four goals against Zulte Waregem and a ridiculous hat-trick against Istanbul Basaksehir, timed at just three minutes and 25 seconds.
20 goals in 22 games for Gent last season meant Orban was suddenly one of the most hyped young strikers in European football.
From a complete unknown in Nigeria to a goalscoring sensation in Belgium, Orban had experienced an unbelievable journey in just about 18 months.
Orban – hailed as an ‘explosive’ striker in Belgium – has endured a slightly slower campaign this season, scoring just three times in 17 league games.
This is Orban’s first real setback for a while but it hasn’t been enough to put Lyon off with a deal now on the verge of completion.
Premier League clubs may not feel entirely sure about Orban after his drop-off in form this season but would be wise to keep tabs on his progress once his Lyon move is confirmed.
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