Surplus to requirements? Gift Orban could exit Lyon with five days until transfer deadline

Super Eagles striker Gift Orban may be forced to leave Lyon before the transfer window closes so he can get playing time, Soccernet.ng reports.

Gift Orban turned heads in Europe two seasons ago after his transfer from Norwegian second tier side Stabaek to Belgium Jupiler League Pro club Gent in January 2023.

The Nigerian forward went on a scoring spree that saw him register 20 goals and two assists in 22 appeared for Gent. His performances for Gent caught the eyes of top clubs in Europe, with Barcelona and Manchester United, and West Ham among the clubs keeping tabs on him.

However, Orban did not move that summer and had to wait until January before he got his move. He joined former Ligue 1 champions Lyon in a €14 million transfer.

Unfortunately for the 22-year-old forward, life at Lyon has not been favorable. Despite the clubs disappointing run of games since last season, Orban has struggled to pin down a starting shirt.

It appears to have gotten worse with Pierre Sage at the helm of affairs. Orban got some minutes during pre-season, but he has not kicked a ball since the start of Ligue 1.

In their gamerweek one 3-0 loss to Rennes, Orban watched the game from the bench. And in Lyon’s second league fixture against Monaco on Saturday, the Nigerian forward did not even make the matchday squad.

According Le Progres, this was a decision by coach Sage and not due to injury to the player.

Recall that earlier, Soccernet.ng reported that Lyon may be willing to let Orban leave, especially as they look to balance their finances.

With just five days left until the end of the transfer market, Orban may have to move to another club so as to get more playing time.