Hellas Verona are on the verge of completing a loan deal for Nigerian striker Gift Orban from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, despite earlier competition from Toulouse.
According to reports in Italy, the Serie A club have reached full agreement with Hoffenheim, with only medicals and paperwork left to finalise. Verona will pay an initial €1m loan fee, while also covering the player’s full wages.
The agreement includes an option to buy set at €9m, giving Verona the flexibility to make the deal permanent next summer.
🚨💥 EXCL | Gift #Orban to Hellas Verona – DONE DEAL!
Full agreement reached with TSG Hoffenheim: loan with an option to buy.
Loan fee €1m, option to buy for €9m. Full salary covered. Player is on his way for medical tests, documents are now being exchanged.@SkySportDE 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/3g6ki1nGAc
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 26, 2025
Orban, 22, joined Hoffenheim from Lyon in January 2025 in a transfer worth between €9m and €12m, including bonuses. He made 13 Bundesliga appearances in the second half of last season, scoring four goals.
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The striker made a fast start in Germany, netting four times in his first seven outings, but injuries and inconsistent form saw him go without a goal in his final six league games.
Gift Orban at Hoffenheim. Photo Credit: Imago
He was left out of Hoffenheim’s squad for their 4-0 DFB-Pokal win over Hansa Rostock earlier this month, casting doubt on his future under coach Christian Ilzer.
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French side Toulouse had been keen on bringing Orban back to Ligue 1, but Verona moved quickly to secure his signature. The club, coached by Pablo Zanetti, is looking to strengthen its squad after opening the 2025/26 Serie A campaign with a 1-1 draw away at Udinese.
Gift Orban of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Photo Credit: Imago
Orban is expected to undergo medical tests before the move is confirmed. Should he impress in Italy, Verona have the option of securing his services permanently for €9m — making the total package potentially worth €10m, excluding wages.
The Nigerian striker rose to prominence at Belgian side Gent before joining Lyon in 2024, where he scored three goals in 16 Ligue 1 appearances.
