Gift Orban to Return to Hoffenheim After Verona Decline

Gift Orban is set to return to TSG Hoffenheim at the end of the season as Hella Verona has decided against activating the purchase option in his loan deal. Orban joined Verona last summer in search of regular playing time, with an agreement that included a clause allowing Verona to sign him permanently.

However, German newspaper Bild reports that the Italian club has chosen not to activate this option as they prepare for a challenging summer amid relegation battles. The 23-year-old finished the campaign as Verona's top scorer, registering seven goals and two assists in 28 league appearances, but his strong start faded during the second half of the season, with nearly three months without a goal coinciding with the club's decline towards the bottom of the table.

Off-field controversies also clouded Orban's loan spell, particularly following a confrontation with fans after a home defeat to AC Milan. Orban later apologized for the incident.

He remains under contract with Hoffenheim until 2029, having completed a €9 million move from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2025.