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“Still on a different level” – Ex-Genk star jabs Orban’s desire for the Premier League

The Nigerian attacker scored four goals in a 6-2 victory against Zulte Waregem at the Elindus Arena

Former Belgian international, Wesley Sonck, asserted that Gift Orban’s desire to switch to the English Premier League is too early.

The Nigerian star switched from the Norwegian team Stabaek Fotball to the Belgian team KAA Gent in the closing hours of the January transfer window.

Yet, the Nigerian seems to have a stronger desire to play in the Premier League after less than three months with the Belgian team, something the former Ajax great disapproves of.

Since joining the Buffalos, the Super Eagles-eligible star has been on fire in the Jupiler Pro League, scoring 7 goals in 5 domestic league appearances, including stealing the show with four goals in Gent’s 6-2 victory over Zulte Waregem last weekend.

Following this, Orban disclosed in an interview that he was already beginning to consider a move to the Bundesliga or Premier League.

The now-Belgium U19 manager commended his ambition to play in the Premier League and lauded his superb performance so far.

“I think it’s great that he is so ambitious. He is also fast, and he adapts well. I also have to admit that he easily scores a goal, that he is often in the right place.” he said, as quoted by Voetbalnieuws.

After a brief stint at the Ghelamco Arena, the 44-year-old, speaking on his wish to transfer to England, feels it is too early to make a move.

“But the Premier League or Bundesliga, that is still a few steps higher. Even with teams like Mönchengladbach or Frankfurt you have guys like Thuram and Kolo-Muani in the front. That is still on a different level,” said the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year for 2001–2002.

The Ghent-based club might now be in a suitable position to profit from the sale of the Nigerian forward to any keen Premier League club after having acquired him for somewhere around €3.3 million.

Nonetheless, the Belgian team would have to go above and beyond to lavish a large wage on him in order to block any transfer move.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

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