Experts posit £25.8m Gift Orban will add real value to Tottenham
Experts posit £25.8m Gift Orban will add real value to Tottenham
Belgium
giant Gent are going to do incredibly well to keep hold of Gift Orban for the 2023/24 season following his goalscoring exploits in Belgium. Coming to the attention of the club after doing likewise with Norwegian side Stabaek, the Nigerian ace hit the headlines across Europe back in March after his incredible hat-trick away at Istanbul Basaksehir.
Completing his treble in a remarkable three minutes and 25 seconds, which is now the fastest-ever hat-trick in UEFA club competition, Orban continued to flourish for his team and finished the campaign with 20 goals and two assists from 22 games. Linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, after such a stunning season in front of goal, the 21-year-old looks destined to make the move to one of Europe's biggest sides sooner rather than later.
Orban is a player of interest to Tottenham, and it's not hard to see why given his fine goalscoring record since first making his name in Norway. Needing to bring in a replacement for Harry Kane following his big-money transfer to Bayern Munich last weekend, the Nigerian, who Gent are believed to value at £25.8million, would be a very good option for the club and he also has the attributes to be a huge hit in Ange Postecoglou's system.
So what exactly have others in the game said about the young hotshot?
Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck on Orban after his hat-trick vs Pogon Szczecin
“He’s a phenomenon and he will continue to be a phenomenon," stated the Gent boss. "I’ve said it five times, and I’ll keep saying it. Even if he is no longer here, he will remain a phenomenon, and I will continue to say that. He is 21 and remains a young guy.
“His hat trick? That is nothing special in itself anymore, is it?
"However, you cannot ignore Gift. I saw him again this week in training scoring two or three great goals in just a few minutes. I haven't seen that very often. It just stays that way, our mouths often fall open," Vanhaezebrouck told Het Nieuwsblad.
"Will he surprise me? No, it's just enjoyment, every day we watch with a smile on our face. He is an incredible weapon that everyone wants."
Vanhaezebrouck on how many goals Orban can score
“Last season he made 21, across all competitions in Norway. If you let him start the season, he is guaranteed 20, or 25 goals across all competitions. Finishing is fun for him. Right, left, he doesn't care."
Joe Cole on Orban ahead of West Ham vs Gent clash
"Two-footed, strong, powerful, fast, aggressive with his play. His goal record of 14 in 12 is unbelievable," said the former England international (via TNT Sports). "West Ham will have to nullify him. They've also got another exciting young player on the left [Malick Fofana].
"The danger when you play against young players is you have to contain them. Sometimes they don't do things by the book and can do things off the cuff.
"They're eager, they sometimes pressure when they shouldn't so it can surprise you but you have to get to grips with it. I'm really excited to watch Orban."
Samuel Cardenas, head of scouting at Gent, on Orban
“He really is a top professional, and he’s really focused. He’s only been in Europe for 12 months but he eats well, he sleeps well, and he knows what to do. He has his goals and he’s staying on the ground. I’ve been really impressed by it," he told The Athletic.
“We knew that he was really competitive, but now, in person, seeing him there every day, it’s even better than expected. He’s a guy who wants to win everything. He gets *expletive* (off) when he doesn’t win, which is good.”
Cardenas on Orban's play
“Outside of the box, tap-ins, left foot, right foot, one-touch, two-touch, headers, goals from a corner, goals after a counter… he can do everything with both feet, he can combine, assist, cross and shoot," explained Cardenas.
