Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Gift Orban explains Hoffenheim move over Olympique Lyon exit

Posted : 09 April 2025

Super Eagles forward and current TSG 1899 Hoffenheim striker, Gift Emmanuel Orban, has opened up about his decision to leave Olympique Lyonnais, stating that he didn’t feel valued during his time at the French club.


The Nigerian international, 22, made the switch to Lyon from KAA Gent in Belgium during the January 2024 transfer window for €15 million. However, his spell in Ligue 1 proved underwhelming as he struggled to make a meaningful impact on the pitch.


Orban found it difficult to secure consistent playing time at Lyon, and when chances came, he lacked the confidence and composure he had previously shown. The striker managed only five goals across 21 appearances, a tally well below expectations. He later joined Hoffenheim for €10 million, and has already found the net four times in 12 games.


Reflecting on his time in France, Orban revealed that competition for the striker’s role was intense, with club captain and Lyon legend Alexandre Lacazette preferred in his position. Feeling sidelined and eager for regular minutes, he chose to make a move to a club where he felt trusted.


“I didn’t have many chances at Lyon, and with Lacazette being the captain and a key figure, it was tough. At Hoffenheim, the club believes in me—and that means a lot,” Orban said in an interview with the Bundesliga club’s official site.


He also expressed his straightforward personality, emphasizing the importance of honesty in football environments. Orban mentioned that he finds it challenging to fully integrate due to the language barrier, as German is proving difficult to learn despite his fluency in English and French.


Orban acknowledged that Hoffenheim is facing a tough season, but praised the club’s approach and how they treated him during transfer talks. Now focused on helping the team avoid relegation, he aims to contribute more goals and do his part to keep the team in the Bundesliga, with only six matches left and a five-point cushion above the drop zone.

 

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :