Gent set for €3m Orban windfall

KAA Gent are set for a windfall of €3m in Gift Orban’s potential sale by Olympique Lyonnais, according to Belgian publication Voetbalkrant, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to another Ligue 1 club, Stade Brestois 29, who have reportedly shown interest in signing the Super Eagles invitee.

Orban joined Gent for €3m from Norwegian club Stabaek Fotbal during the 2023 January transfer window after impressing in the Norwegian second tier, helping Stabaek gain promotion to the topflight with 22 goals in 27 matches.

In his first season in Belgium, Orban consistently hugged the headlines for his rapid goal turnover, netting 32 times in 52 appearances for Gent. It was his eye-catching performance that earned him a €13m move from Gent to Lyon after just a year in Belgium.

However, Orban was unable to replicate the instant hit that he was known for with both Stabaek and Gent. In 16 appearances for Lyon, he managed three goals, forcing the club into the transfer market in search of another striker.

With the permanent signing of Guinea-Bissau forward Mame Balde from Troyes and the arrival of Georges Mikautadze, Orban faces stiff competition and a possible exit via a loan move.

Meanwhile, Brest have offered him a lifeline, with France-based journalist Nabil Djellit reporting that initial contacts have been made between the two clubs to bring the forward to Stade Francis-Le Blé.

In the latest update, Voetbalkrant wrote that Gent are ready to cash in on the Nigerian should the deal pull through.

“Gift Orban left KAA Gent during the winter transfer window. However, the Nigerian seems to be leaving his new employer, Olympique Lyon, again this summer,” the website wrote.

“Orban left KAA Gent in January for €13m. Things did not quite turn out the way he expected at his new club, Olympique Lyon, which means a transfer this summer is a possibility. “Despite a contract with Lyon until mid-2028, the Nigerian is said to be in contact with Brest for a possible transfer, a journalist from France Football reports.

“That is also very good news for KAA Gent. They forced a resale percentage of 20 percent on the next transfer of Orban.