Nigerian forward Gift Orban could remain in Italy’s top flight next season, with newly promoted Venezia interested in signing the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window.
Italian transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Venezia are considering a move for the striker as they prepare for life back in Serie A following their promotion from Serie B.
Orban’s Verona Loan Spell
Orban spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Hellas Verona from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 28 appearances. Despite Verona’s struggles throughout the season, the Nigerian emerged as one of the club’s most effective attacking players.
For much of the campaign, there appeared to be a possibility that Verona would seek to make the move permanent.
However, his future at the club became uncertain after he was involved in an altercation with a supporter following a defeat to AC Milan in April. The incident reportedly resulted in his exclusion from Verona’s final five league matches.
Verona were eventually relegated from Serie A, bringing an end to any hopes of a permanent transfer.
Venezia Preparing for Serie A Challenge
Venezia, who secured an immediate return to the Italian top flight after winning the Serie B title, are expected to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Orban is believed to be among the attacking options being considered as the club looks to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.
The interest comes after a career that has already taken Orban across several European leagues.
Breakthrough at Gent
The Nigerian first attracted widespread attention during his time at Belgian club Gent after joining them in January 2023. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his league debut against Westerlo before producing a series of remarkable performances.
In March 2023, Orban scored four goals in a 6-2 victory over Zulte Waregem, becoming the first Gent player in the 21st century to score four times in a league match.
Just days later, he set a new UEFA club competition record when he scored a hat-trick in only three minutes and 25 seconds against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa Conference League.
European Journey Continues
He continued to shine in Europe the following season, scoring another Conference League hat-trick against Polish side Pogon Szczecin.
Those performances earned him a move to French club Lyon in January 2024. The Ligue 1 side signed him on a four-and-a-half-year deal in a transfer reportedly worth €12 million, potentially rising to €20 million through add-ons.
Orban found consistency harder to achieve in France, scoring once in 13 league appearances during his first half-season at Lyon, although he helped the club reach the Coupe de France final.
Hoffenheim Move and Search for Revival
In January 2025, he moved to Hoffenheim in Germany but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, leading to his loan switch to Verona.
A move to Venezia could therefore provide the striker with another opportunity to rebuild momentum.
Hoffenheim are reportedly open to allowing him to leave, either on loan or through a permanent transfer.
Nigeria’s Future
Orban will hope regular playing time can help him revive the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards and strengthen his chances of returning to the Nigeria squad under head coach Eric Chelle.