Gift Orban: "I like Belgium, but I want to move to a bigger league"
Gift Orban discusses his transfer future. The Nigerian striker made no secret of his desire to step up to a more prestigious league.
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Gift Orban is one of the most sought-after players in Belgium. Little wonder, for a player who arrived at Gent in January 2023 and has scored 20 goals in 22 games in all competitions (19 starts), people are bound to talk. The Belgian club, who paid only €3 million to sign him, clearly spotted a bargain. And if he does leave this summer, there will be a huge profit.
And what about the man himself? Gift Orban knows he is in great demand. However, he prefers to focus on other things. Asked about the transfer window by the Belgian outlet HLN, the striker, who turned 21 on 17 July, is leaving everything to his agent. He does want to take a step up, though. "No, I don't talk to my manager, he does his job. I like Belgium, but I want to go to a bigger league. There, I will be able to gain more experience and improve", the goalscorer said at first. But the journalist pressed him, mentioning in particular Lille, who are pushing hard to sign him. The French club are used to recruiting in Belgium, after all. That was the case with Jonathan David, signed from Gent for €27 million. "Former Gent players have already gone to Lille? That's what I'm told, yes, but I don't watch other players, I just do my job", the Nigerian replied matter-of-factly.
Insatiable goalscorer
With Lille poised to make their move and only waiting for Jonathan David to leave before going all out for Gift Orban, movement can be expected for the Gent player. In the meantime, Orban is starting the season as he finished the last one: scoring. He found the net on Thursday 27 July in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds against Zilina (5-1). After that goal, he spoke of his attachment to Gent.
"I love this club. Then you have to put in the work. Every game is important to me. I still have a contract, and even if it were my last game for this club and I knew it, I would give everything I have. For the supporters too", Gift Orban insisted. He also stressed his disappointment at scoring only one goal. "I'm not satisfied, no. I should have scored many more goals. How many? More than four. But well, it's the first game, I have to stay calm and focused. Sometimes a shot hits the post instead of going in."
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