Hellas Verona will not activate the purchase option in Gift Orban’s loan deal at the end of the season, according to reports.
Orban joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan from German Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim last summer, with both parties including a clause that would allow Verona to sign him permanently.
However, German outlet BILD reports that Verona, who are facing relegation from Italy’s top flight, have decided against triggering the buy option.
Despite the club’s struggles, the 23-year-old Nigerian forward remains Verona’s top scorer this season with seven goals. His form, however, has dipped significantly in recent months, as he has failed to find the back of the net in nearly three months.
Orban’s campaign was also overshadowed by controversy after he was reportedly involved in a physical altercation with a supporter following Verona’s 1-0 home defeat to AC Milan.
With Verona unlikely to retain him, Orban is expected to return to Hoffenheim at the end of the season, where his future will be reassessed ahead of the new campaign.
