Manchester City Target Gift Orban: I’ll Never Fear Real Madrid

Rising Nigerian talent, Gift Orban, expressed his dream to join the Premier League. Several Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the young striker.

The Nigerian starlet, who caught the eyes of several Premier League giants with his outstanding performances and his goal-scoring abilities, is open to a move to Liverpool, Manchester United, or Manchester City.

In a recent interview, the striker, who is in line for a call to the Nigeria Super Eagles, said, “I dream about the Premier League and about Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool. I don’t really care much for Arsenal, though. They do not like winning trophies. It was like that for 10 years when Arsene Wenger was in charge. They only signed players to then sell them at a profit. I want to play for a club that competes for trophies.”

🇳🇬🗣️ Gift Orban: "My ultimate dream is to play in the Premier League. Man United, Liverpool, Man City."

"I don't like Arsenal alone, it's like they don't want to win titles. I want to go somewhere where they do." (Sporza) pic.twitter.com/QLkUedQrgK

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 20, 2023

Fabrizio Romano, a reputed journalist, added context to Orban's statement, saying, “The utmost respect for Arsenal, as Arsenal fans weren’t happy with the statement of the player. He did not talk about the Arsenal of now but the one during his childhood in a joking way.”

Checked on Gift Orban reported quote about Arsenal. The original author of the news piece from Belgium clarified that Gift “did not talk about the Arsenal of now but the one during his childhood in a jokingly way”.

Orban has “the utmost respect for the Arsenal”. #AFC https://t.co/Fra4AsU5ee

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2023

While ruling out Arsenal and flirting with other Premier League giants, Gift Orban ruled out a transfer to Saudi Arabia, saying, “I still have a four-year contract here & am not 0%, but less than 0% on a departure.”

“You have to aim high in life and who says no to a bigger salary? (laughs) Neither do you. But I'm still too young for Saudi Arabia. Playing in a stadium with 3 supporters is not for me.”

Joining Gent in January, the 20-year-old player has already scored his 20th goal in just 20 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian side, playing a crucial role as KAA Gent qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League. He is among the five players nominated for the Ebony Shoe (Best Player of African Origin) in the Belgian Pro League award.

GIFT ORBAN SCORES HIS 20TH GENT GOAL!!

He made his debut in February 😳 pic.twitter.com/KTA5X6Bkjv

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) May 20, 2023

Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea are monitoring the young striker’s progress. Conceding his abilities and age, Gent could put a substantial price tag. However, Orban is at a stage where he needs regular playing time, which means staying and developing his potential in Gent would allow him to showcase his talent.

Understand Gift Orban is being scouted & is on Chelsea’s young striker list, with Vitor Roque.

Ivan Toney is on shortlist, but not active target due to impending ban. Understand if ban is short Chelsea could still push.

Lautaro pushed by Poch & on director's initial shortlist. pic.twitter.com/LqeqhcLbYa

— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) May 16, 2023

The Nigerian youngster added in the same interview: “Do you know why I will never be afraid even against Real Madrid? Because I'm a child off the street.”

“My parents both had a house – my father in Nigeria, my mother in Togo. I started playing football in the suburbs of Lagos as a little boy.”

Nigeria Super Eagles Debut

As reported earlier, Nigeria's new wonder kid is set to make his debut with the Super Eagles amid a qualifying fixture against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone next month.

Orban is one of the best Nigerian players, and the Super Eagles will rely on his talent ahead of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers. The Super Eagles need just a point against Sierra Leone to book a spot in Côte d’Ivoire 2023. With his impressive track record, it's no surprise that Nigeria is counting on him to deliver on the field.

Gift orban has gotten the super eagles invitation for the next afcon qualifiers against sierre- Leone.

Letsss goooo, comon Gift show us what you can do.🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬⚽️ pic.twitter.com/xA8k3R9OAh

— NAIJA FOOTBALL NEWS/origin SWITCHES/GOAL/assists⚽️ (@ComonNG) May 18, 2023