Nigeria striker Gift Orban is set to undergo a medical with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim after the German club reached an agreement with Olympique Lyon for his permanent transfer.
The move will bring an end to Orban’s difficult spell in France, where he struggled for regular playing time after joining from Belgian side KAA Gent. Softfootball understands Hoffenheim will pay around €9 million, including bonuses, to secure the 21-year-old’s signature.
French club RC Lens were also interested in signing the forward but failed to meet Lyon’s asking price, allowing Hoffenheim to move ahead in the race.
Orban arrived at Lyon in January 2024 with high expectations but managed just one Ligue 1 goal in 13 appearances during his first season. He enjoyed greater success in the Coupe de France, scoring twice in three matches.
The Nigerian showed glimpses of his quality at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, coming off the bench to score twice in nine minutes and inspire Lyon to a dramatic comeback victory over Strasbourg.
However, his relationship with the club later deteriorated after falling out with the coaching staff, leading to his exclusion from the first-team squad and paving the way for a fresh start in Germany.
