Gift Orban looked destined for a big-money move to the Premier League in 2023, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging as one of the leading contenders to sign the Nigerian striker.
At the time, Orban was regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young forwards after an extraordinary rise that saw him score freely in Norway and Belgium.
The then-21-year-old netted 16 goals in 22 appearances for Norwegian club Stabaek before completing a move to Gent, where he continued his remarkable form with 20 goals in his first 22 matches.
His reputation soared in March 2023 after scoring seven goals in just four days. He struck four times in Gent’s 6-2 league win over Zulte Waregem before setting a UEFA club competition record by scoring a hat-trick in just three minutes and 25 seconds against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa Conference League.
Tottenham interest failed to materialise
Following Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, Tottenham identified Orban as one of several attacking options to strengthen their squad under new manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Super Eagles hopeful was widely tipped as a potential replacement for Kane, but negotiations failed to progress after Spurs were unwilling to meet Gent’s reported £25 million asking price.
The proposed transfer eventually collapsed, ending Orban’s hopes of making an immediate move to the Premier League.
Career takes unexpected turn
Since the failed switch to north London, Orban’s career has taken a different path.
His goalscoring form declined during the remainder of the 2023-24 season, with the striker managing just three goals for Gent before securing a move to French club Lyon.
He later joined Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, where he again struggled for consistency, scoring four goals before spending last season on loan at Italian side Verona, where he rediscovered some form with seven Serie A goals.
The Nigerian forward has now joined newly promoted Turkish Super Lig side Amedspor on loan, hoping to revive the promise that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers.
Although Orban’s career has not followed the trajectory many predicted three years ago, the 24-year-old still has time to rebuild his reputation and fulfil the potential that attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
