Sunderland’s search for a proven No. 9 continues as the club faces challenges in securing a consistent goal scorer. Since Ross Stewart’s season-ending injury in January 2023, the Black Cats have struggled to find a reliable forward. The club has cycled through players like Joe Gelhardt, Nazariy Rusyn, and Mason Burstow, but none have managed to consistently find the back of the net.
This summer, Sunderland signed Wilson Isidor, but they remain eager to bolster their attacking options further. Despite missing out on targets such as Alexandre Mendy, Tom Cannon, and Roko Simic, Sunderland has recently been linked with Lyon’s Gift Orban, a Nigerian forward who previously attracted interest from clubs like Tottenham and Manchester United.
Orban’s tenure at Lyon has not gone as planned, leading to speculation that he might be available for a loan move before the transfer window closes. Sunderland’s chances of signing Orban seemed promising, with reports suggesting they had a “pretty good” chance of securing his services. However, Orban’s inclusion in Lyon’s matchday squad against Strasbourg has cast doubt on the likelihood of a move to Wearside.
Despite Orban being left out of Lyon’s previous match against Monaco and being an unused substitute in their defeat to Stade Rennais, his presence on the bench for tonight’s game suggests that a transfer may be off the table. This development complicates Sunderland’s plans, as the forward would not have time to complete a medical and finalize a move while involved in the match.
Sunderland had hoped Orban could be a key addition to their squad, given his impressive record of 54 goals in 92 appearances. With Orban’s move now in question, the club’s options appear limited. While they are also interested in Ahmed Abdullahi, he is seen as a prospect for the future rather than an immediate solution.
As the transfer deadline looms, Sunderland will need to explore alternative options quickly. The club has made some strong moves this summer, and fans will be hopeful that they can pull off another signing in the final hours.
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