Orban to get Lyon’s escape route

Nigerian striker Gift Orban is set for a January exit from troubled French club Olympique Lyon following their provisional relegation to Ligue 2, with Turkish giants Beşiktaş leading the race for his signature, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The seven-time French champions have been plunged into crisis after the French football watchdog, DNCG, imposed strict sanctions on the club due to mounting financial troubles, including a transfer ban and mandatory relegation regardless of their current fifth position in Ligue 1.

Lyon’s predicament stems from an alarming increase in debt from €458m to €508m under John Textor’s Eagle Football Group ownership, forcing the club to consider selling their prized assets during the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old Orban, who joined Lyon for €12m from Belgian side Gent last January, heads a list of stars including Alexander Lacazette, Nicolás Tagliafico, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Rayan Cherki, and Wilfred Zaha who could be offloaded to ease the club’s financial burden.

Beşiktaş have emerged as frontrunners for Orban’s signature, with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst keen to partner the Nigerian with Italian striker Ciro Immobile. The Black Eagles are preparing a loan offer for the forward, who has found playing time limited in France.

Despite arriving with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers following an impressive record of 32 goals in 52 games for Gent, Orban has struggled to replicate that form in France, managing just five goals in 21 appearances for Lyon.

His difficulties have been compounded by off-field issues, including a controversial social media post and reports of poor training performances, leading to his omission from recent matchday squads by the club’s technical director.

However, the Nigerian showed glimpses of his potential in patches during the 2023/24 campaign, notably bagging a brace in a 4-3 win against Strasbourg, demonstrating the clinical finishing that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers.

Currently under contract until 2028, Orban’s situation has attracted interest from several European clubs looking to secure a proven goalscorer at a potentially reduced price given Lyon’s desperate financial situation.