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After a promising start, Gift Orban's career has taken a turn for the worse at Lyon
Nigerian striker Gift Orban's challenging season at Lyon continues, as the 22-year-old was excluded from Pierre Sage’s squad for their Europa League clash against Qarabag.
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Orban, alongside veteran forward Wilfried Zaha, was left out of the travelling party to Azerbaijan for Thursday’s match as doubts about his future at the Ligue 1 club continue.
Lyon’s financial woes impact squad selection
Lyon’s Europa League campaign is hanging by a thread after a two-game winless streak, including a last-minute collapse against Hoffenheim.
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Currently ninth in the standings, their hopes of advancing rely on securing maximum points in their upcoming fixtures.
Despite this urgency, Sage opted to leave both Orban and Zaha out of the squad, a decision that highlights the challenges within the team.
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The exclusion is particularly concerning for Orban, who has already seen limited playing time in Ligue 1. As Lyon grapples with financial difficulties, including a transfer ban and the threat of relegation to Ligue 2, the young Nigerian’s future at the club appears uncertain as he has been touted as an asset for sale to balance the books.
Uncertain futures for Orban and Zaha
With Lyon under immense financial pressure, reports suggest that the club is open to offloading players in the winter transfer window, including Orban, should a suitable offer arise.
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The forward, once an invitee to the Super Eagles squad based on his impressive form at the time, is seen as an asset that could generate much-needed funds for the club.
Meanwhile, Zaha’s situation also remains precarious. The 32-year-old, on loan from Galatasaray, could see his deal cut short as Lyon seeks to streamline its squad amidst their financial crisis.
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For Orban, the exclusion is another setback in what has been a frustrating chapter of his career.
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