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By Ebenezer Bajela
On Thursday, social media was thrown into a frenzy as Gift Orban’s €13m move to French club, Olympique Lyon, sparked mixed reactions among football fans, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian forward on Wednesday secured a €13m move from Gent to Lyon after just a year in Belgium.
Orban joined Gent from Norwegian club Stabaek last January after impressing in Norway, helping Stabaek gain promotion to the topflight division with 22 goals in 27 matches.
He signed a four-and-half-year deal with the Belgian side and after just a year into the deal, Lyon secured an agreement with Gent to sign Orban this transfer window.
The deal, however, brought about mixed reactions from some Nigerians. While some say the move is a progress in his career, others are of the opinion that it is a step backward.
An X user, Folusho, wrote, “Now, that’s what I call progressive move. Hopefully, from there to any of the Top 4 teams in England. Not Moving from Arsenal to Everton to Fulham and claiming elite player.”
Fadeyi Olayinka added, “His gifted talent will always take him to the top.”
Meanwhile, Obieze Fortune thinks Orban’s move to Lyon will announce him to the world.
“Good move. The world needs to hear his name, the guy has saved my tickets many times,” he wrote.
ExcelasUnique tweeted, “Good for him, another progress.”
“This is progress and with his style of play, he’ll surely make a name at Ligue 1. I wish him all the best,” Bright said.
However, a couple of fans believe he joined the French giants at the wrong time.
“This is a wrong move for me because Lyon are a mess right now. Their relegation is inevitable,” Victor Felix opined.
Osimhen-Szn added, “From Top 3 in Belgium to button 3 in France. I don’t know what’s progressive about that.”
Also sharing his discontent with the move, Opomulero Femi tweeted, “Lyon are a good club, but it’s not the right time. Lyon are struggling right now, and Gent are doing well, even in Europe. End of season for better or a lone deal.”
Without mincing words, Edet said, “Considering Lyon’s struggle this season, I consider this a minus for him. Lyon might be relegated next season.”
Ojo Ayobami was certain that there won’t be European football for the 21-year-old next season.
“Lyon that are fighting relegation? So no European football for him next year.”
Kaycee added, “Right now Lyon is not growth and I hope they don’t drag him down with them and ruin his career.”