Official: Gent’s Gift Orban becomes the first Nigerian to sign for Lyon

The exciting youngster grabbed the attention of Europe last year, after netting the fastest hat-trick in the history of European club competition

With a statement on their official media channels, Olympique Lyon have officially welcomed the arrival of Gift Orban, 21, from Gent.

The Nigerian striker, with a burgeoning reputation, has inked a four-and-a-half-year deal with Les Gones, locking his presence at the Groupama Stadium until 2028.

The deal, reportedly in the ballpark of €13 million, as disclosed by L’Équipe, marks a significant move for Lyon, beating competition from clubs such as Lille and Tottenham for Orban’s signature.

Orban’s rise to prominence in 2022 with KAA Gent, where he netted an impressive 20 goals in 22 appearances, served as the catalyst for this high-profile transfer.

Despite a slight dip in goal-scoring form since then, Orban has maintained his impact on the pitch, contributing nine goals in ten appearances during this season’s Europa Conference League. According to many bookmakers and betting enthusiasts who have chosen non aams English betting sites KAA Gent have a good chance of going further in the Conference League, so it is very likely that we will see many more goals from the young Nigerian.

Remarkably, Orban becomes the first-ever Nigerian footballer to sign for Lyon’s senior side.

Lyon’s strategic moves in the January window also saw them secure another attacking force from Belgium, Malick Fofana, 18, acquired for €17 million from Gent.

While former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette might initially retain his starting position, Orban’s arrival promises to infuse Les Gones with a much-needed offensive edge.

Orban will look to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Terem Moffi and Moses Simon, who had little trouble settling down in France.