Super Lig transfers: Gift Orban on the verge of Amedspor move – why the transfer makes sense

Newly promoted Turkish Super Lig side Amedspor are on the brink of signing Super Eagles invitee Gift Orban, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 23-year-old is close to ending the uncertainty surrounding his future by becoming the latest Nigerian player to move to Turkey this summer, as more Nigerian stars continue to make the switch to the Super Lig.

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho also recently agreed a move to Bursaspor, joining fellow Nigerians Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Wilfred Ndidi, among other names expected to feature in the Turkish top flight this season.

Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu. Copyright: IMAGOxSulaimanxPoojaxAdebayox

Orban’s future had remained uncertain after he returned to German club Hoffenheim following the end of his loan spell at Hellas Verona, where he spent the 2025-26 campaign.

Despite enjoying an impressive season in Italy, scoring seven goals and providing three assists while emerging as one of Verona’s standout performers, the Serie A club decided against making the move permanent.

That decision was influenced by an unfortunate incident late in the season when Orban was involved in a physical altercation with a club supporter after a league defeat in April. The incident also saw him left out of Verona’s final matches of the campaign.

Amedspor close in on Gift Orban signing

According to Footy-Africa, Orban is now on the verge of completing a move to the Turkish Super Lig with newly promoted Amedspor.

Gift Orban and Bologna Lewis Ferguson. Copyright: ImagoxGiannixSantandrea/LaPressex

The club have reportedly reached a full agreement with Hoffenheim over a season-long loan deal, which will see the Nigerian striker lead their attack after securing promotion to the Turkish top flight for the first time in the club’s history.

Amedspor will be aiming to avoid an immediate return to the second division. Instead, they will hope to establish themselves in the Super Lig and push for a respectable finish in their debut campaign.

Why a move to the Super Lig makes sense for Gift Orban

With Orban set to begin the next chapter of his career at Amedspor, there are several reasons why the move could prove to be the right one.

At just 23, Orban still has plenty of time to fulfil his enormous potential and a move to the Super Lig could provide the perfect environment to rebuild his confidence.

The striker burst onto the scene with Belgian side Gent, where he scored 32 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions and became one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards.

Gift Orban at Hellas Verona. (Photo by Imago)

However, difficult spells since leaving Belgium have slowed his progress and he has struggled to reproduce that level. A move to Amedspor could take him away from the spotlight and give him the platform to rediscover the form that first made him one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents.

Another major advantage of the move is the opportunity to find stability. In recent seasons, Orban has moved between clubs without spending enough time in one environment to fully settle and this have made it difficult for him to build momentum.

If he impresses in the Super Lig, he could establish himself as a key player and enjoy a longer stay at the club, allowing him to keep his focus on his football rather than another transfer.

The move could also boost Orban’s chances of returning to the Super Eagles. The 23-year-old last received invitations to the national team in 2023 but has been left out since then due to inconsistent performances and the increased competition for places in Nigeria’s attack.

Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC. Copyright: ImagoxIPAxSport/ABACAx

With the Super Eagles entering a rebuilding phase under Eric Chelle, a return to top form could put him back in contention for future call-ups. The upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers later this year also presents another opportunity for the young forward to force his way back into the national team picture.

With only a few details left to be finalized before the deal is completed, Orban now appears set to begin a fresh chapter in Turkey, hoping the move can reignite his career.