Mercato: Lille goes for the new Osimhen to replace David!
A real sensation in the Belgian league, Nigerian striker Gift Orban (20) is attracting interest from a number of clubs this summer, including LOSC.
This is the story of a rapid ascent. A real fairy tale. After arriving in Norway's second division in May 2022, young Nigerian striker Gift Orban (20) crushed everything in his path, scoring 19 goals in 24 matches during his 5-month spell with Stabaek.
Sniffing out a bargain, La Gantoise succeeded in recruiting him on January 31, just before the close of the winter mercato, for 3.25 million euros. And in Belgium, the young Nigerian striker has continued his fine form, scoring 20 goals in 20 matches, including 5 in the Europa League. His performances make him a highly sought-after player at the dawn of a summer mercato in which many big clubs are looking to recruit a striker.
Gift Orban to replace Jonathan David?
According to Fabrizio Romano, LOSC are interested in the Gift Orban phenomenon and no doubt dreaming of pulling off the same coup as in 2019 with Victor Osimhen, recruited from Charleroi for 22 million euros before being sold a year later for three times as much, or in 2020 with Jonathan David, also recruited from La Gantoise with the success we all know.
Lille have concrete interest in Gift Orban as new striker. Many clubs keen on the Nigerian forward but Lille have started contacts recently. 🚨🔴🇳🇬 transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2023
Gift Orban can be the replacement for Jonathan David as important bids for the Canadian striker are expected soon. pic.twitter.com/B6jr6zvI5D
Lille are considering Gift Orban to replace their Canadian striker this summer. Jonathan David is also highly sought-after after his impressive season in Ligue 1 (22 goals), and should be the subject of a major sale this summer. Lille is therefore hoping to acquire the new sensation of the Belgian league, but as Fabrizio Romano unsurprisingly announces, several other clubs are on the lookout and the battle looks set to be fierce.
"It's not our intention to sell him this summer. His agent knows that. He's signed for four and a half years," warned La Gantoise general manager Michel Louwagie in France Football on May 14. It remains to be seen whether he will hang on to his striker in the event of an offer in excess of 30 million euros this summer...