Who Is Gift Orban? FIVE Things You Need To Know About The Chelsea Transfer Target

Chelsea have been scouting Gent forward Gift Orban, according to reports in the Belgian media.

Representatives from the Blues were spotted watching the Nigerian as he scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Cercle Brugge at the weekend.

There are even suggestions that the London club are lining up a bid for Orban ahead of the summer transfer window.

So what do we know about the player? Press the next page as we list five facts about the 20-year-old.

1) Orban has had a swift rise to prominence

The forward has played for three different clubs in the space of a year.

Norwegian club Stabaek originally loaned Orban from Bison FC in May 2022 before signing him on a permanent basis a few months later.

After spending less than a season in Norway, Gent paid €3m for the player at the end of the January transfer window.

With Chelsea now interested, Orban could be on the move for a third time in the space of twelve months.

2) He has been extremely prolific

One of the reasons that Orban is in such high demand is his goals-to-games ratio since moving to Europe.

The Nigerian bagged 19 goals in only 24 appearances for Stabaek before attracting the attention of Gent.

Since moving to Belgium in January, his prolificness has actually improved, having scored 19 in 19 matches so far.

The striker has scored four goals on one occasion, two hat-tricks and two braces in his short time with Gent.

3) Orban is a raw talent

His quick rise to the top means the 20-year-old can be quite naive.

Orban is enthusiastic but he is yet to learn when and how to press opponents.

In possession, he likes to dribble but he is not yet able to protect the ball with his body.

It means Orban can be a frustrating player to watch at times despite his undoubted natural talent.

4) His speed makes him a nightmare for defenders

Pace really gets you far as a player in football and Orban has it in abundance.

While the Nigerian is yet to master the run in behind defences, the forward is a nightmare to handle.

Running into channels or directly at defenders when dribbling, his lightning speed makes him a huge threat.

It’s fair to say that, at the moment, Orban very much relies on his pace to get his goals, but it is a formidable weapon to have at your disposal.

5) Orban may find the transition to the Premier League difficult

One of the reasons why some scouts have doubts about the striker currently, is his lack of strength.

Orban can often be pushed off the ball and that would be a big problem if he moves to English football.

The 20-year-old will have to add more physicality in his game to succeed in the Premier League.

There is nothing to say he can’t do it, though. Raheem Sterling is a perfect example of someone who lacks physical presence but he is still able to hold his own in one-on-one duels with strong defenders.