By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian international Orban has joined Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim from Lyon, a Ligue 1 club in France.
The move, set to last until 2029, is reportedly worth €12m.
Both clubs have confirmed the transfer, which comes about a year after the Nigerian forward joined the French side from Gent.
Orban featured 21 times for Lyon, scoring five goals. However, Lyon’s No. 9 was deemed surplus to requirements under Pierre Sage following the summer transfer of George Mikautadze.
According to OL, Orban’s transfer fee includes €9m upfront with a further €3m in performance-related add-ons.
Due to financial constraints, Lyon is compelled to sell players in the January winter transfer window.
Also known as Les Gones, Lyon faced a provisional Ligue 2 relegation by the DNCG in November. To avoid this fate, they must offload players before the end of the Ligue 1 campaign.
At 22, Orban becomes the third Lyon player to leave this week, following Anthony Lopes’ move to Nantes and Jeffinho’s transfer to Botafogo.
Hoffenheim has announced that Orban will wear the No. 14 jersey.
He is expected to make his debut for his new club against Wolfsburg on Saturday, 11 January 2025.
