Phenomenal Super Eagles prospect and Gent striker Gift Orban has emerged as a target for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille. The French side acknowledges the possibility of losing current star striker, Jonathan David in this transfer window and see the emerging Nigerian talent as a worthy successor.
Lille have concrete interest in Gift Orban as new striker. Many clubs keen on the Nigerian forward but Lille have started contacts recently. 🚨🔴🇳🇬 #transfers
Gift Orban can be the replacement for Jonathan David as important bids for the Canadian striker are expected soon. pic.twitter.com/B6jr6zvI5D
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2023
Reports suggest that Lille have met with Orban’s entourage to discuss terms of a contract between him and the club should he join. Orban’s representation is one of the best around as they also have great former and current Super Eagles internationals, Odion Ighalo who plays for Saudi Professional League club Al Hilal and Chidera Ejuke who plays for Hertha Berlin (on loan from CSKA Moscow)
With 24 goals and four assists in all competitions this season (38 games played), David has shown this season that he is ready for a step up to an even bigger team. The top clubs in Europe, especially in the Premier League, acknowledge his talents and believe that he is the one to take them to the next level.
The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea are rumored to be the English clubs interested in the 23 year old.
Like David, Gift Orban’s talents have impressed and drawn the eyes of the continent towards him with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea keeping tabs on the 20 year old’s progress.
In only his first year as a professional footballer, Orban has shown talent beyond his years and his goal record proves the fact.
Orban scored the fastest ever hat-trick in European club competition for Gent in their UEFA Europa Conference League second leg round of 16 tie against Istanbul Basaksehir. He is one of the top scorers of this competition with five goals to his name.
He also became the first player this century to score four goals in a game for Gent in a Juplier Pro League game after he accomplished this feat against Zulte Waregem.
4 – Gift Orban is the first KAA Gent player with four goals in a Jupiler Pro League game this century; no player has scored more goals in the top-10 European Leagues since Feb 11, when Gift Orban made his KAA Gent league debut (Jonathan David also 7). Gifted. pic.twitter.com/GYAPR7hxyo
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) March 12, 2023
This season, Orban has scored 20 goals in 20 games for his side and has fired them into an European competition.
He recently said in an interview that he does not see himself leaving the Belgian side anytime soon as he has a four year contract with Gent.
“I still have a four-year contract here & am not 0%, but less than 0% on a departure.”
Things could move quickly for Orban despite his statements as Lille may be able to make an offer to lure him to the French side.
Orban to follow Osimhen's footsteps if he joins Lille
Lille have had a brilliant track record with young strikers recently. Before Jonathan David burst onto the scene and became the sought after striker he is now, current Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen made a name for himself at Lille.
He spent only one season at Lille as a 20-year-old where he scored 18 goals in 33 starts before sealing a big money move to Napoli.
The French side could be great for his development if he decides to join as they have a great track record.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago