Nigerian striker Gift Orban has completed his much-anticipated move to German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
The transfer, widely reported by Africasoccer.com over the past week, was confirmed by the German club on Thursday, January 2.
“Bundesliga football club TSG Hoffenheim has signed striker Gift Orban. The 22-year-old Nigerian arrives in the Kraichgau from French first-division club Olympique Lyon and has signed a long-term contract with Hoffenheim,” the club announced in a statement.
Andreas Schicker, Hoffenheim’s Managing Director of Sport, expressed excitement about the new signing, stating: “In Gift Orban, we have found exactly the fast striker with good depth that we were looking for. Gift has repeatedly demonstrated his goal-scoring ability and enthusiasm on the pitch in his previous roles, and we are confident that his skills will bring greater variability to our attack.”
Gift Orban’s journey to Hoffenheim marks the latest step in a promising career. The Nigerian forward joined Olympique Lyon from Belgian side KAA Gent in January 2024. During his time in France, he made 21 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Europa League, scoring five goals.
Prior to his stint at Lyon, Orban played for KAA Gent from January 2023 to January 2024, where he was a standout performer. In 52 matches spanning the Belgian league, cup competitions, Europa League qualifiers, and the Conference League, he netted an impressive 32 goals and provided two assists.
Hoffenheim’s acquisition of Orban is seen as a significant boost to their attacking options, with fans eagerly anticipating his impact in the Bundesliga.
