Hellas Verona have decided against signing Gift Orban permanently, ending the Nigerian forward’s loan spell at the Italian club and setting up a return to parent club Hoffenheim this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 23-year-old joined Verona from Hoffenheim on a season-long loan last summer after falling out of favour in Germany, and he initially made a strong impression in Serie A despite playing for a struggling side.
He scored seven goals and provided three assists in 28 league appearances, a solid return by any measure.
However, his season unravelled in the final stretch after he was involved in a physical altercation with a fan following a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in April. Although Serie A authorities did not impose any formal sanction on him, Verona chose to leave him out for the club’s remaining five matches. Orban later issued a public apology for the incident.
The setback proved costly, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, Verona, who were relegated to Serie B after seven seasons in the top flight, have now confirmed they will not activate the purchase option in his loan agreement.
With no clear pathway at Hoffenheim either, Orban is expected to be available for another move this summer. His market value is estimated at around €10 million, though Hoffenheim may be open to sanctioning a further loan rather than a permanent sale.
The development is also a blow to Orban’s international aspirations. A strong showing at Verona had appeared to position him for a return to Super Eagles contention, but his early exit from the first team and the disciplinary episode have complicated matters heading into the transfer window.
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