Gift Orban: Hoffenheim’s Nigeria-Togo forward linked with surprise Amed SK move

Nigeria-Togo centre-forward Gift Orban of Hoffenheim is being linked with a surprise switch to Turkish Super Lig side Amed SK. The 23-year-old, who returned to the Bundesliga club this summer after a loan spell in Italy, is under contract until 30 June 2029, meaning any deal would require the Turkish club to negotiate a fee rather than target a free transfer.

Orban’s name has emerged on Amed SK’s shortlist as they assess attacking options for the new campaign, with his current market value standing at around €7m. Hoffenheim only made him a permanent signing in January 2025, when they paid Lyon €9m, but his temporary move to Hellas Verona last season indicates the German side are open to structuring his development away from Sinsheim.

The forward scored four goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim and has built a reputation for being particularly effective in European competition, registering 10 goals in 11 Conference League games earlier in his career. He was previously named top scorer in Norway’s OBOS-ligaen with 16 goals in the 2021-22 season and collected a player of the season award in Belgium in 2023.

Hoffenheim’s long-term deal with Orban gives the Bundesliga club a strong negotiating position, and there is no indication they are under pressure to sell. For now, the striker remains a Hoffenheim player with three years left on his contract, and any move to Amed SK is at the rumour stage rather than close to completion.