Gift Orban: Lecce eye move for Hoffenheim and Nigeria-Togo striker

Gift Orban, the Nigeria-Togo centre-forward currently at Hoffenheim, is the subject of interest from Serie A side Lecce as the Italian club explore attacking options for the new season. The 23-year-old is under contract with the Bundesliga team until 30 June 2029, meaning any deal would require Lecce to negotiate a fee rather than pursue a free transfer.

Orban returned to Hoffenheim this summer after a season-long loan at Hellas Verona, where he gained his first sustained experience in Serie A. He made 28 league appearances for Verona, scoring seven goals and adding three assists, a return that has helped maintain his valuation at around €7m.

Hoffenheim signed Orban from Lyon in January 2025 in a deal worth €9m, having tracked his prolific scoring spells in Norway and Belgium. His time at KAA Gent included a standout run in European competition, highlighted by 10 goals in 11 Conference League matches and a further six goals in six Jupiler Pro League Europe play-off appearances. Earlier in his career he was named best young player at Stabæk in 2022 and finished as top scorer in Norway’s OBOS-ligaen the following season.

Lecce’s interest comes as they look to add a central striker with proven European and Italian top-flight experience, while Hoffenheim are yet to indicate whether they are prepared to sanction another move for Orban so soon after his return from Verona. With four goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances already on his record for Hoffenheim, the forward is set to begin pre-season in Germany unless negotiations with Lecce progress.