Toulouse in talks to sign Nigerian striker formerly on Barcelona’s radar

The Nigerian striker has had it tough since moving to the German Bundesliga, but he is looking to move elsewhere to get more minutes…

Nigerian striker Gift Orban is in talks with French Ligue 1 club Toulouse over a possible transfer this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Super Eagles invitee joined German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim from Lyon at the turn of the year, in a deal worth €9 million. But he has failed to cut it there.

Unfortunately for Orban, he has not seen a lot of minutes at the club, as he has registered just three goals in 14 appearances.

This summer, Orban has been used sparingly during pre-season, and it appears that coach Christian Ilzer does not see him as an important player ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.

So Hoffenheim are open to letting him leave, as long as they can recoup a good chunk of the fee they paid for him seven months ago.

Now, according to French outlet Foot Mercato, Orban is in serious talks with Toulouse about a move this summer.

The Ligue 1 club need attacking reinforcements to aid their push to remain in the French top-flight this season, and they believe Orban is their man.

The 23-year-old striker has Ligue 1 experience, as he played for Lyon last year. However, the price might be the issue.

The Nigerian striker is valued at €10 million, per data from Transfermarkt, and this might be too high for them. Hence, they might pursue a loan transfer with an option to buy clause.

Gift Orban: Should the Nigerian striker move to Toulouse?

Although Toulouse are not Ligue 1 big boys, it might just be the right place for him.

The Nigerian striker has failed to reach the heights he touched in the 2022/23 season, when he scored 15 goals in 16 games for Gent.

He was so good that top clubs like Barcelona were linked to him before he had to join Lyon.

Gift Orban has to prioritize a club that helps him to function at his best. He also has to get more game time.

Toulouse have not sealed the deal yet, but even if it does not work out eventually, Orban has to choose a suitable club. Or else, he might have to join a team outside of the tip five leagues.