Reports in the French media suggest that a 21-year-old Nigerian forward Gift Orban could leave Olympique Lyon at the end of the season.
Orban was brought into the Lyon setup at the beginning of the season following some impressive performances for the Belgian club Gent, where he scored 18 goals in 33 appearances last season.
Signed as an ideal replacement for club legend Alexandre Lacazette, who is entering the twilight of his careerhas failed to live up to expectations.
There remains a sense that the Nigeria international is perhaps not good for the club. He has struggled when he has played, often cutting an anonymous figure.
This has meant Lacazette got less rest than what Pierre Sage probably would have liked. Signed for a stunning fee, many a Lyon faithful believe Orban’s listless performances have not come close to justifying his fee.
The 23-year-old Georgia international, who is currently on loan from Ajax Amsterdam to Ligue 1 side Metz, has had a fantastic season.
He has directly contributed to 13 goals for Les Grenats, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists to his teammates in 16 games this term.
Despite his undeniable talent, the young forward has struggled to cement his place in the Lyon squad, making only 12 appearances out of 30 Ligue matches and scoring just one goal. To exacerbate matters, he has started in only four of those appearances.
At just 21 years old, Orban has time on his side to rejuvenate his career and fulfill his potential. A move away from the Groupama Stadium could provide him with the regular playing time he needs to develop and showcase his abilities on the pitch.
Considering his limited opportunities at Lyon, seeking a loan move to another club could be a strategic move for Orban to gain valuable experience and exposure at a higher level of competition.
