Hoffenheim’s sporting director, Andreas Schicker, has shed light on the club’s decision to sign Nigerian international striker Gift Orban.

The 22-year-old forward joins Hoffenheim from Olympique Lyonnais on a deal that runs until 2029, following a challenging stint in France.

The Bundesliga club announced Orban’s arrival on Thursday, with Schicker expressing optimism about the player’s ability to make an immediate impact.

“Gift Orban made his last start against us in the Europa League. The days leading up to the game against Wolfsburg will do him good,” Schicker told the club’s official website.

“He has a good physique, a good feeling for depth and is very quick to start. Gift also brings a certain goal threat.”

Orban first caught Hoffenheim’s eye during his time with Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent, where he dazzled with his goal-scoring prowess in domestic competitions and the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Schicker also highlighted Orban’s underrated performances during his brief time at Lyon, stating:

“He showed what quality he has during his time at KAA Gent. And if you break down his goal ratio at Lyon into minutes, it is also extremely good.”

Adding Depth and Speed

Orban is one of Hoffenheim’s key acquisitions this transfer window, and Schicker stressed the importance of integrating him quickly into the team.

“A year ago, we wouldn’t have got him from Gent. It was very important that both players [including another signing] joined us early.

They should quickly become options for us. They give us the speed that we were lacking, especially after Marius Bülter’s injury.”

Mixed Fortunes in France

Orban joined Lyon in January 2024 after a prolific spell with KAA Gent, where he was a standout performer, particularly in European competitions. Prior to that, he also impressed during his time with Norwegian side Stabaek.

However, his time at Lyon failed to live up to expectations, as he managed just five goals in 21 appearances for the struggling French side.

Lyon’s own instability during this period didn’t help Orban’s form, but the forward will now hope for a fresh start in Germany.

With his proven ability to find the back of the net and Hoffenheim’s faith in his potential, Orban aims to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.