Forgotten Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban in trouble as Lyon sign Euro 2024 top scorer

One-time Super Eagles of Nigeria invitee Gift Orban’s future at Lyon is now a subject of speculation after the club signed one of the top scorers of the 2024 European Championship, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze.

Lyon confirmed the move for Mikautadze from Ligue 2 side Metz as the 23-year-old, who had recently returned to France from Ajax, chose the move to his boyhood club, despite attracting interest from several clubs, including West Ham United and a few Ligue 1 teams.

Monaco initially led the race for Mikautadze's signature, even scheduling a medical and agreeing on a fee with Metz. However, Mikautadze, who was born in Lyon and has strong ties to the area, opted to join his formative club instead.

Lyon managed to hijack Monaco’s deal, securing Mikautadze for €18.5 million, which was less than Monaco's proposed fee. Mikautadze, who shone at Euro 2024 by scoring three goals in four matches, has now signed a four-year contract with Lyon, adding significant firepower to Pierre Sage’s squad.

The arrival of George Mikautadze, combined with the presence of Alexandre Lacazette and the confirmed purchase of Mama Balde, casts a shadow over Orban's future at Lyon. Recruited last winter from Gent for €14 million, Orban struggled to make an impact and appears headed for the Lyon exit door.

According to journalist Olivier Salmon, Lyon's leadership is considering offloading Orban, either on a temporary or permanent deal, hoping to recoup the money they spent for the Nigerian forward.

Two potential destinations for Orban include a loan move to Botafogo in Brazil, which is part of the Eagle Football group owned by Lyon’s owner John Textor, or a transfer to the Colorado Rapids in the MLS, with whom Lyon are in negotiations regarding defender Moses Bombito