Belgian Pro League club KAA Gent, have officially confirmed the departure of Jordan Torunarigha following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2024/25 season.
The towering centre-back, who joined Gent on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022 after an impressive loan spell from Hertha Berlin, leaves the Buffaloes after three and a half impactful years.
Torunarigha, born in Germany, switched his international allegiance to Nigeria and made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2023.
Since arriving in Belgium, he has established himself as a defensive pillar for Gent, becoming a consistent presence in the heart of their backline.
Over his time with the club, the 27-year-old made 145 appearances across all competitions and played a crucial role in Gent’s triumph in the 2022 Belgian Cup.
In a heartfelt farewell message shared via Gent’s official channels, Torunarigha reflected on his time with the club with deep appreciation:
“I would like to thank the club for the wonderful time here in Ghent. We experienced intense years together that developed me as a footballer and as a person.
“Also a big thank you to our fans, who have always supported me. The highlight was undoubtedly the cup in 2022. Now the time has come to take on a new challenge and take the next step in my career. I wish you all the best for the future!”
While his departure was expected, given previous transfer speculation, Gent had opted to keep Torunarigha until the end of his contract despite interest from other clubs.
Reports suggest he had considered a move away for the past two years.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Torunarigha is once again attracting interest.
He has been linked to several top European sides, including Borussia Monchengladbach, Lyon, and Marseille.
Most recently, newly promoted Bundesliga side FC Cologne have emerged as a potential destination.
The Billy Goats are reportedly keen on reinforcing their squad ahead of the new campaign, and Torunarigha’s experience could be a vital addition to help them stay in Germany’s top flight.
