Turkish side Trabzonspor are preparing to reignite their pursuit of Nigerian striker Gift Orban, with plans to secure his services in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 22-year-old forward, currently at French club Lyon, was a subject of a serious bid from Trabzonspor during the summer, but the deal fell through.
Despite offering an option-to-buy loan worth around 8 million euros, Lyon refused to lower their 12 million euro valuation, keeping Orban in France.
However, Orban’s time at Lyon has been far from ideal. He has struggled to integrate into the team and has seen his form dip significantly.
Not the best of times for Gift Orban
Over the past few months, the former Gent striker hasn’t played a single minute in Lyon’s last four matches, being benched for Europa League games against Olympiakos and Rangers, and completely left out of the squad for Ligue 1 clashes with Toulouse and Nantes.
It is also suggested that he has failed to integrate into the Lyon team and has not shown enough desire to be played from the start.
With Orban’s value potentially declining, Trabzonspor are ready to make another move in January, eyeing an option-to-buy loan deal once again.
Şenol Güneş wants Super Eagles striker
Head coach Şenol Güneş is eager to strengthen his attacking options and sees Orban as a key addition.
Orban, who has appeared just three times in Ligue 1 this season and scored two goals, has also been absent from the Super Eagles since his last call-up in September 2023.
A fresh start in Turkey could be the spark Orban needs to revive his career.
