Bologna are monitoring Nigerian forward Gift Orban as they explore potential attacking reinforcements ahead of the next transfer window, with the striker viewed as a more affordable option compared to other targets under consideration, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Transferfeed, the Serie A club are keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old, who is currently on loan at Hellas Verona from German side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, and is expected to return to his parent club at the end of the season.
“Bologna is monitoring Gift Orban as a more accessible option for their attack, while the club is also evaluating more expensive targets,” Transferfeed reported.
The publication also noted that Orban’s valuation is within a manageable range for the Italian side.
“Orban, who had a complicated season with Verona, is valued at approximately 8 to 10 million euros,” it added.
Orban has endured a mixed campaign in Italy, scoring seven league goals in 28 appearances and finishing as Verona’s top scorer despite a difficult run of form in recent months.
The Nigerian striker, who joined Verona on a season-long loan last summer after struggling for game time in the Bundesliga, has also been absent from the squad in recent weeks, missing the club’s last four matches, including their clash against Inter Milan.
His future at Verona now appears uncertain, with the Italian side opting against making his loan move permanent following a challenging spell both on and off the pitch.
Reports in Italy suggest Verona’s decision is also influenced by disciplinary concerns, following an incident involving the forward and a fan after their 1-0 defeat to AC Milan earlier in the campaign, a matter which is still under investigation.
Despite finishing the season as Verona’s leading scorer, Orban was unable to prevent the club from slipping into the relegation zone, with the team struggling throughout the campaign.
The 23-year-old has also gone through a difficult scoring drought, failing to find the net in his last nine league appearances.
According to German outlet BILD, he is expected to return to Hoffenheim this summer, with Verona choosing not to activate their purchase option.
Orban remains under contract with the Bundesliga club until 2029, leaving Hoffenheim with a decision to make regarding his long-term future after a loan spell that offered mixed returns.
The forward previously attracted widespread attention during his time at Belgian club Gent, where he scored 32 goals across two seasons before earning moves to Lyon and subsequently Hoffenheim.
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