Gift Orban: Nigeria’s newest goalscoring sensation deserves better than Leeds United – opinion

It is shaping up to be a dramatic summer for Nigerian footballers in the transfer window, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise's Victor Boniface all set to be involved in big-money moves.

But another name that has joined the elite league of Nigerian stars in Europe in recent weeks is that of young Gent forward Gift Orban.

Not many took Gift Orban seriously despite the youngster's excellent showings in his first few games in Belgium after completing his switch from Norway's Stabaek to Gent.

But even the high and mighty have been forced to sit up and take note after the striker took his exploits beyond the Belgian Pro League to the UEFA Conference League.

AC Milan and Napoli are already monitoring the Bison FC academy product. More big clubs could join the race for a lad expected to set his eventual buyer back a princely €20 million.

Leeds United are also rumoured to have an interest.

While Napoli and AC Milan could be a step too high for a youngster who has not spent two years in professional football, Leeds United, with due respect, could be a rung or two too low.

It will not be an issue for Leeds United to raise 20 million euros to sign Gift Orban, but the young talent deserves better than to join a club currently fighting for survival in the Premier League.

He may be a raw talent, but he is already better than most in his age group.

Orban has been lighting up the Belgian top flight with Gent, scoring an impressive 14 goals in just 11 appearances since joining the club in January. He has also broken records, including the fastest hat-trick in any UEFA competition.

The 20-year-old is undoubtedly a talented player with a bright future ahead of him, but joining Leeds United at this stage of his career would be a mistake.

While the Whites may have a history of developing young talent, they are currently struggling to stay in the Premier League and face an uncertain future.

Orban should be aiming higher than a club that is fighting relegation. He has the potential to play for clubs in the upper echelons of the Premier League, Serie A, or Ligue 1, where he can challenge himself against the best players in the world. Leeds, at the moment, are not there. 

And this is not about money. Yes, Leeds United may have the funds to move for Orban, but they are not the right fit for the young striker.

Orban deserves to play for a club that will help him reach his full potential and provide him with the platform to showcase his talents on the biggest stage.

Orban has already proven himself to be a goalscoring sensation, and there will be no shortage of suitors vying for his signature. It is essential that he makes the right move for his career, and that move is not Leeds United.

And not just Leeds United. Any club that will not play in the UEFA Champions League or the Europa League should not have a chance of signing Nigeria's newest goal merchant.

In conclusion, while Leeds United may be tempted to sign Gift Orban, it would be in his best interests to aim for clubs in the upper end of Europe's top five leagues rather than a club fighting for survival. Orban deserves better, and he should not settle for anything less than a club that can help him achieve his full potential.