Sunderland saw late interest in Gift Orban fail to materialise into a summer deal, but they could have a chance to move again this winter.
Sunderland are on the charge for the Premier League this season, with Regis Le Bris’ side currently top of the Championship table.
The Black Cats will be inclined to trust the talent they have but in such a strong position at this early stage, they can not afford to rest on their laurels and must build further in the January window.
New targets will be on the radar but players admired in the summer could come back to the fore, one of whom was striker Gift Orban (Sunderland Nation live blog, 4:13pm). And, according to a fresh update from French reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter, Orban is due to be sold this Winter.
Lyon are strapped for cash and the Nigerian is one set to depart.
While Sunderland seem to have solved their striker woes with loan star Wilson Isidor, a move for Orban should not be overlooked. He is a quality striker who scored goals in Europe in his time at KAA Gent.
It is not often you get opportunities to sign players of his ability at Championship level, but with his stock dropping and Sunderland aiming high, a move for Orban should definitely be considered.
Time to move on
Orban joined Lyon in January and has only made 21 appearances since joining, scoring five goals.
This season he has two goals to his name, two that may ring a bell amongst Sunderland fans. When many on Wearside thought he could be en route to join the club, he was named on Lyon’s bench before coming on to score twice, seemingly killing any chances of a Stadium of Light switch in the process.
Having not scored since that day, it is no surprise that Lyon are looking to cut their losses.
Foot Mercato reported back in September that Lyon were looking for around €10m for the Nigerian. They were also open to loan deals with options to buy, something that Sunderland used to sign Isidor this summer.
A ‘phenomenon’ in Belgium
Whilst at former side KAA Gent, his coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck wasn’t shy in revealing just how bright he believes Orban’s future. He said:
“He’s a phenomenon and he will continue to be a phenomenon. I’ve said it five times and I’ll keep saying it. Even if he is no longer here, he will remain a phenomenon and I will continue to say that. His hat-trick? That is nothing special in itself anymore, is it?”
These words came after hitting a 51-minute treble past Pogon Szczecin back in August 2023. The Nigerian scored 32 goals in 52 games for Gent, including nine in 10 UEFA Conference League games in the 2023/24 season.
Sunderland have had several players come to Wearside and kickstart their careers. Orban could very easily be the latest man to do so Stadium of Light, though time will tell if the club view it as a necessary deal despite the tempting opportunity that looks set to arise.
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