Tottenham Hotspur scouts were convinced about signing Gent striker Gift Orban this summer, but the club’s hierarchy were put by the asking price, according to HLN.de (today’s edition).
Orban signed for the Belgian outfit from Stabaek in January this year, and he was terrific during the second half of the season with 20 goals and two assists from just 22 appearances.
The Nigerian has continued his fine form this campaign with six goals in his opening nine games. It is now revealed by HLN that the 21-year-old was on the radar of several elite clubs.
The likes of Spurs, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Benfica all expressed interest. Spurs’ scouts ‘were convinced’ about signing him, but the price tag put the club off.
Gent were willing to part ways with Orban for €30 million, but that ‘scared off’ Spurs, who did not want to risk such a huge fee on a striker, who had spent just six months in Belgium.
Spurs could return for Orban in future
The north London giants parted ways with Harry Kane during the summer transfer window. After months of speculation, Kane finally made the switch to Bayern Munich in a big-money deal.
Despite his departure, Spurs did not pursue a proper replacement. Richarlison and Son Heung-min have played up front this term, and they have done fairly well with five goals between them.
In the long-term, manager Ange Postecoglou may want another quality striker in the ranks. The club could return for Orban if he continues to impress in front of goal in the coming months.
Orban is far from an imposing striker at 178cm, but he is gifted with plenty of pace and good vision in front of goal. The youngster likes to dribble and he is also a dead-ball specialist.
Spurs as well as Fulham were reluctant to pay €30m for Orban this summer, but their stance could change heading into the New Year if the striker continues to excel in Belgian football.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
