Nigerian striker nears transfer to Hoffenheim amid spurious links with Galatasaray

According to Matteo Moretto, TSG Hoffenheim are on the verge of completing a move for Gift Orban amid spurious reports linking the 2023 Super Eagles invitee with a transfer to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

Alnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported a month ago that Gift Orban would not be joining Osimhen at Galatasaray in January as the Lyon number 9 was not in talks with the Istanbul club over a transfer. 

Hoffenheim are close to reaching an agreement with Olympique Lyonnais for the signing of the young Nigerian striker.

Hoffenheim have struggled for goals this season, scoring just 19 goals in 14 games  and are close to the relegation spots in the Bundesliga standings.

Manager Christian Ilzer has played several of his forwards in the number nine position but none has shown the capacity to score consistently.

Orban could help Hoffenheim resolve their goalscoring woes if he can replicate his early prolific form with KAA Gent.

The 22-year-old was prolific for most of his time with Gent but fell out with the manager and lost his form, which culminated in his departure to Lyon.

He has struggled with the French giants and has been unable to secure a starting berth, starting just three games across all competitions this season.

Orban has not been named in the matchday squad since October due to his social media post praising Sinaly Diomandé, who scored for AJ Auxerre in their 2-2 draw with Lyon.

Lyon are in financial trouble, and they have to sell some players to prevent being relegated to Ligue 2; it is no surprise that Orban is one of the players who have been put up for sale.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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