KAA Gent is open to offloading Nigerian striker Gift Orban in the summer despite his impressive form due to indiscipline and what they have termed as lack of sportsmanship.
Orban who joined the Belgian side during the January transfer window had been in blistering form scoring 14 goals in 16 appearances while providing two assists in the Belgian League and the Europa Conference League had seen his form dwindle failing to score in the last five games across the competition.
However, things got tense in the Jupiler Pro League Europe Playoffs when the Nigerian was benched for 76 minutes in their 3-1 win over Westerloo. He was introduced into the game and scored the side’s third goal in the 88th minute but while other players celebrated the win with the fans, Orban stormed into the dressing room and also accused manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck of failing to trust him.
“Honestly? I don’t think I deserve to sit on the bench. I am a player who has to grow in a match from the start. That’s when I’m at my best. I still feel in top shape. And it’s not because I didn’t score in the past games that I didn’t help the team, right? I did nothing wrong.”
His outburst has led to a decision by the management to add him to their transfer list at the summer according to voetbalbelgie.be, “Orban reacted toxicity on some substitutions or non-base places. He said he was not satisfied and wanted to leave. That behavior plus his attitude in the dressing room is not well received. With a good offer, Gift Orban can leave this summer.”
The 20-year-old has caught the eyes of several European clubs and the Belgian side will be hoping to catch in on his sale. He joined the side in January from Norwegian side Stabaek for €3.3m.
