‘Here we go’… £30m striker who Tottenham wanted to sign is now set to join another club

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KAA Gent striker Gift Orban is set to join Olympique Lyon on a permanent deal after Tottenham Hotspur were keen over the summer. 

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Lyon are set to land the forward for a fee worth around £11.1 million.

Spurs were in the market for a new striker over the summer after the departure of Harry Kane.

Ange Postecoglou eventually opted to bring in a more versatile option in Brennan Johnson, who made the switch to Tottenham from Nottingham Forest on deadline day.

Before landing the Welshman, Spurs were heavily linked with a move for Gift Orban.

It was suggested at the time that Tottenham may wait until the summer of 2024 before moving for the Gent star.

But if Spurs are to reignite their interest in the 21-year-old, it may have to be kicked even further down the road as he’s about to join Lyon.

Lyon set to sign Tottenham target Orban

Romano took to X on Wednesday morning and claimed that Lyon have agreed a deal to sign Orban. 

He wrote: “Gift Orban to Olympique Lyon, here we go! Deal done for €13m fee to Gent.

“Deal strongly wanted by John Textor, one more top signing after Malick Fofana.

“Orban will sign until June 2028, as first called by Hugo Guillemet. Benrahma and Danjuma remain on OL list.”

Orban lit up the Belgian league last season, netting 20 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for Gent.

The Nigerian striker hasn’t quite managed to carry that form into the current campaign through, having managed just three goals in 17 league appearances.

But he’s still proven to be a reliable goalscorer in Europe as he’s bagged nine in as many games in the Europa Conference League.

He was valued at around £30 million over the summer but looks set to secure a switch to Ligue 1 for a modest fee.

Tottenham had reportedly cooled their interest in the striker but it will be interesting to see how he performs in one of Europe’s top leagues.

It may well be that Spurs revisit their interest further down the line, especially if Orban excels at Lyon.