Hoffenheim striker, Gift Orban has admitted that his start to life in the Bundesliga has been far from ideal.
Still, the Nigerian forward remains determined to bounce back stronger next season.
The 22-year-old joined Hoffenheim from French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon in January 2025 for a reported fee of €9 million, with an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses €1 million of which is guaranteed.
As part of the deal, Lyon will also receive 7.5% of any future capital gain from a potential resale.
Orban’s move to Germany came after a turbulent stint at Lyon, where he struggled for consistency.
He hit the ground running with four goals in his first six league games, briefly showing glimpses of the clinical form that once made him one of Europe’s most talked-about young strikers.
However, a loss of form and fitness issues, including an ankle injury, derailed his momentum. The injury ultimately ruled him out of Hoffenheim’s final two matches of the season.
Despite Hoffenheim managing just two points from their final five games, the club narrowly escaped relegation, finishing just three points clear of the playoff spot.
Reflecting on the difficult half-season, Orban took to social media to share his thoughts and renew his commitment to improvement.
“It’s been a rough season, no doubt. Things didn’t go how I planned,” he wrote on X. “But I’ve kept my head down and kept grinding. The season’s almost over, and I’m focused on finishing strong and coming back better.”
Since joining Hoffenheim, Orban has scored four goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances.
Though the second half of the campaign didn’t unfold as hoped, the striker will now turn to the offseason to regroup, get fit, and prepare for a stronger 2025–2026 season in Germany.
