Bundesliga side Hoffenheim have reached an agreement with Olympique Lyon to sign Nigerian striker Gift Orban during the January transfer window, Softfootball reports.
The deal comes as Lyon continue efforts to balance their finances after being placed under pressure to generate funds through player sales. The French club are looking to avoid the threat of relegation imposed by financial regulators and have made several players available for transfer.
Orban has been widely expected to leave Lyon after struggling to establish himself since arriving from Belgian side KAA Gent. The 22-year-old found regular playing time difficult to come by and failed to cement a place in the starting lineup.
Reports indicate Hoffenheim’s improved offer was enough to meet Lyon’s demands, with the two clubs now agreeing on the transfer fee. The move is expected to be completed once the Nigerian agrees personal terms with the Bundesliga outfit.
RC Lens and Turkish champions Galatasaray had also shown strong interest in Orban, but Hoffenheim have won the race for his signature.
The forward managed only one Ligue 1 goal during his debut season in France before scoring twice in the Coupe de France. He has shown signs of improvement this season and will now hope a fresh start in Germany helps him rediscover the prolific form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers.
