KAA Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck is taking speculation regarding the future of his star players in his stride while joking about goalkeeper Davy Roef sealing a move to Premier League giants Liverpool.
For many Gent supporters, however, reports linking Gift Orban with Tottenham Hotspur are no laughing matter.
According to Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad, Spurs have made contact with Orban’s camp regarding a potential move to North London. Orban scored a remarkable 20 goals in 22 games for Gent last term, and the subsequent rumours have come as no surprise to one of the most experienced head coaches in the Jupiler League.
“A lot is possible in football. The transfer window lasts until the first week of September,” Vanhaezebrouck admits, speaking to HN. “So we can still lose guys, even though we would like to keep everyone with us.
“However, if offers come from big clubs, it is difficult for us as AA Gent to turn down.”
Tottenham eye Gent star Gift Orban
Vanhaezebrouck, at least, can sleep a little easier in the knowledge that experienced shot-stopper Davy Roef will likely still be a Gent player in 2023/24.
“Davy Roef will sign for Liverpool tomorrow! No no, just kidding,” he adds with a chuckle, pointing out that the 29-year-old’s recent absence is down to personal reasons rather than anything regarding a transfer.
Roef missed Sunday’s Jupiler League opener; a 3-2 victory over Kortrijk. Orban, typically, scored a late winner in that five-goal thriller. And Vanhaezebrouck is under no illusions about Gent’s ‘stepping stone’ role for young stars with ambitions of playing at a higher level.
“The players also expect to take that step”, the former Anderlecht and KRC Genk coach adds. “We like to get young, talented players and form a springboard to a higher level.
“This has happened before, in the past, and it will probably happen with several boys in the future. I don’t expect everyone to stay.
“Maybe one or two guys will leave.”
Whether Orban ends up at Tottenham this month, only time will tell. The good news, for Vanhaezebrouck, is that Spurs appear to be far further down the line in pursuit of Rosario Central’s 19-year-old marksman Alejlo Veliz.
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