Gent director reveals new development that could hinder Tottenham’s move for Orban

Gift Orban has been heavily linked with a move from Gent this summer after an impressive debut season with the Belgian club, with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur reportedly among his suitors

Gent director of football, Ivan De Witte, has revealed the possibility of their Nigerian striker Gift Orban not leaving the club this summer, Soccernet.ng reports

The 21-year-old has been one of the players reportedly to be on the move this summer after an impressive first six months in Belgium which saw him register 20 goals from 22 appearances.

He has since been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur to replace English striker Harry Kane, who has departed the London club to join Bayern Munich for £86m.

Orban has also reportedly been the subject of interest from French side LOSC Lille, who are already searching for a replacement in case their Canadian striker Jonathan David leaves Stade Pierre-Mauroy this summer.

Another report revealed a few days ago was that the Nigeria international has favored a move to London, and has agreed to terms on a personal level with the club, with all that remains now is an agreement between Tottenham and Gent.

However, in the latest development, Gent’s director of football, Ivan De Witte, has provided an update on the possibility that they might decide to keep their prize asset beyond this summer.

I do not rule out that he will stay, De Witte revealed during an interview, as quoted by HLN sport

It would have been a different story without the capital increase, but now we longer have to sell.

Which does not alter the fact that a financial buffer is always a good thing. Football remains business, and you can’t be naive.

Suppose there is a more attractive proposal for Orban, knowing what the stability and possibilities in the future, then you have to think about it. But it’s not like it’s mandatory. That pressure has been revealed thanks to Sam Baro.

Orban has scored 26 goals from 28 games since he moved to the Jupiler Pro League side from Stabeak in January.