Orban set for Lyon exit

Nigerian forward Gift Orban may be on his way out of Olympique Lyonnais after just seven months with the French giants, According Sports Extra reports.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to another Ligue 1 club, Stade Brestois 29, who have reportedly shown interest in signing the Super Eagles invitee.

Orban secured a €13m move from KAA Gent to the French side after just a year in Belgium.

He joined Gent from Norwegian club Stabaek Fotbal during the 2023 January transfer window after impressing in the Norwegian second tier, helping Stabaek gain promotion to the topflight division with 22 goals in 27 matches.

In his first season in Belgium, Orban consistently hugged the headlines for his rapid goal turnover, netting 32 times in 52 appearances for Gent.It was his eye-catching performance that earned him the move to the seven-time Ligue 1 champions, who handed him the prestigious number 9 jersey following his signing.

However, Orban was unable to replicate the instant hit that he was known for with both Stabaek and Gent.In 16 appearances for Lyon, he managed three goals, forcing the club into the transfer market in search of another striker.

With the permanent signing of Guinea-Bissau forward Mame Balde from Troyes and the arrival of Georges Mikautadze, Orban faces stiff competition and a possible exit via a loan move.

Meanwhile, Brest have offered him a lifeline, with France-based journalist Nabil Djellit reporting that initial contacts have been made between the two clubs to bring the forward to Stade Francis-Le Blé.

While there has been no official statement from either Lyon or Orban’s camp, it is suggested that a loan move could be beneficial for the player, providing him with more playing time and an opportunity to regain his form.