Transfer Twist: Gift Orban Joins Turkish Side Amedspor As Hoffenheim Agrees Loan Exit

Nigerian striker Gift Orban has completed a season-long loan move from German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim to newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig club Amedspor.

The agreement includes an obligation-to-buy clause that could see the 24-year-old remain in Turkey on a permanent basis if the stipulated conditions are met.

The move brings an end to speculation surrounding Orban’s future after he fell out of Hoffenheim’s first-team plans and sought regular playing time elsewhere.

Orban arrives at Amedspor after spending last season on loan at Italian side Hellas Verona, where he scored seven goals and provided three assists in 29 Serie A appearances.

Despite his individual contributions, Verona were relegated from the Italian top flight, while reports of an altercation with a supporter towards the end of the campaign effectively ruled out a permanent stay at the club.

The Super Eagles forward had also been linked with a move to Serie A outfit Bologna during the summer transfer window, but negotiations failed to materialise.

Speaking on the transfer, Orban’s agent, Atta Aneke, said the striker was attracted by Amedspor’s long-term ambitions and passionate supporters.

According to Aneke, discussions with the club convinced Orban that its vision aligned with his career goals, making the Turkish side the right destination for the next stage of his development.

He added that the former Gent forward is eager to embrace the challenge of playing in the Turkish Süper Lig and hopes to settle quickly before making a significant impact for his new club.

Orban first rose to prominence during his spell with Norwegian club Stabæk before enjoying a prolific run at Belgian side Gent, where he scored 32 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions.

His impressive performances earned him a €12 million move to French club Lyon in January 2024 before he later joined Hoffenheim.

The Nigerian forward now becomes the latest Super Eagles player to continue his career in Turkey as he looks to revive his form and establish himself once again in European football.