Lille close to agreeing transfer of Nigerian prodigy Orban

Lille close to agreeing transfer of Nigerian prodigy Orban

Ayoola Kelechi 23:51 - 15.07.2023

Super Eagles hopeful Gift Orban is reportedly close to a deal to join Ligue 1 side Lille this summer

Ligue 1 side Lille are reportedly on the verge of signing Gent’s Nigerian hot prospect, Gift Orban, this summer after trailing the Super Eagles hopeful’s progress.

Lille looking for David replacement

Lille are in the market for a striker this summer as they prepare for the exit of star forward Jonathan David, and they have reportedly decided on Orban as their prime target to replace the Canadian forward.

Gift Orban joined Gent in January
Gift Orban joined Gent in January

David is expected to leave the club this summer after putting himself in the spotlight with a superb performance in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 season, scoring 24 goals in the campaign as Lille finished in fifth place.

The Canadian forward has been courted by a number of teams for a move out of France, and Lille have already identified Orban as his successor.

Lille target another Nigerian forward

According to reports from French outlet Foot Mercato, Lille are close to agreeing a deal with Gent for the Nigerian, who could move for the second time this year if an agreement is reached by the two clubs.

Orban joined Gent from Stabaek in January and has scored 20 goals in 22 appearances since his move, earning the attention of a number of clubs across Europe.

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In addition to Lille, Orban has been on the shortlist of Ligue 1 runners-up Lens, who want to replace their star striker from the 2022/23 campaign, Lois Openda, who is set to join RB Leipzig this summer.

Orban will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of another Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, who made a huge impact at Lille, earning a club record transfer to Napoli where he has gone on to win the Serie A.

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