Hoffenheim: Gift Orban set for Ligue 1 return | OneFootball

The Nigerian striker could bounce back at Toulouse after a mixed spell in the Bundesliga.

Gift Orban / Hoffenheim

Gift Orban is edging closer to a return to Ligue 1. The Hoffenheim forward, who previously played for Olympique Lyonnais, could join Toulouse on loan with a purchase option. The German club is considering his departure as early as this August.

The Nigerian striker left Lyon last January for Hoffenheim after an up-and-down year in the Rhône. Signed by OL from Gent for €14 million, he failed to live up to expectations. His stint was limited to 16 appearances and three goals before he was gradually sidelined by Pierre Sage.

A mixed spell in the Bundesliga

At Hoffenheim, Gift Orban made a promising start with four goals in his first six Bundesliga outings. However, that momentum soon faded. Injuries and a dip in form hampered his progress, eventually relegating him to the bench. The German club no longer counts on him and is seeking a way out. According to Footmercato, Toulouse have positioned themselves to bring him in. TFC, searching for attacking reinforcements, failed in their pursuit of Willem Geubbels, who has since joined Paris FC. The Ligue 1 club is now considering reviving Orban to address the shortcomings exposed during their summer pre-season matches.