Italian Serie A side Hellas Verona have confirmed the signing of Gift Orban, a 2023 Super Eagles invitee, on loan from TSG Hoffenheim, with an option to buy included in the deal.
This move marks the sixth different club of Orban’s professional career, each in a different country. The striker, who began at Bison FC in Nigeria, has since represented Stabaek (Norway), KAA Gent (Belgium), Olympique Lyonnais (France), and most recently, Hoffenheim (Germany).
Hoffenheim reportedly received several enquiries for Orban during the summer transfer window, and after discussions with the player, agreed to sanction the temporary switch to Verona.
Rise to Prominence
Orban burst onto the scene in Norway with Stabaek, where he netted 19 goals and 7 assists in his debut campaign, guiding the team to promotion. His performances earned him the OBOS-ligaen Golden Boot and Young Player of the Season honors.
That prolific form paved the way for a move to Belgian giants Gent in January 2023. He made an immediate impact by scoring twice on his Pro League debut and went on to set records as the league’s highest-scoring debutant and the fastest hat-trick scorer in UEFA competition history.
After a brief spell in France with Lyon, where he scored five goals, Orban moved to Hoffenheim in 2024. In his debut Bundesliga season, he registered four goals in 13 appearances.
Now, at just 22, Orban takes on a new challenge in Serie A with Verona, aiming to rediscover his scoring touch and further his reputation as one of Africa’s most exciting young forwards.
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