Mercato OM: Vitinha’s Potential Departure
Disappointing in Brighton on Thursday evening, Vitinha is once again rumored to be leaving OM during the upcoming transfer window. Despite finding some comfort in recent matches playing alongside Aubameyang, Vitinha has failed to fully convince everyone in Marseille. This season, he has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in 21 matches, which is not particularly impressive.
In light of Vitinha’s recent performance against Brighton, The Olympian Tribune’s Twitter account reports that OM is planning to send the 23-year-old striker to England in the upcoming winter transfer window. Pablo Longoria, the club’s president, aims to sell him and recoup a portion of the €25 million (excluding bonuses) invested in him a year ago.
Mercato OM: Gift Orban as a Replacement?
Should Vitinha depart, OM has reportedly identified Nigerian striker Gift Orban (21 years old) as one of their potential targets. Orban, who currently plays for La Gantoise, attracted attention in the transfer market last summer but ultimately remained in Belgium. His potential move would also interest Eintracht Frankfurt for the January transfer window.
➡️Vitinha could leave OM this winter. The club is reportedly looking for a way out of the English market.
➡️In the event of departure, several profiles are being considered, including Gift Orban, the La Gantoise striker. Frankfurt is also in the mix. #TeamOM #MercatOM #OM pic.twitter.com/xTdkDLCAci
— La Tribune Olympienne (@LaTribuneOM) December 15, 2023
Gift Orban, who scored 20 goals in 22 matches during the second half of last season, has already netted 12 goals in 26 matches this season. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at 20 million euros, which is likely below La Gantoise’s asking price, especially considering his contract runs until 2027.
Our Opinion on the Orban Rumor at OM
On paper, the idea of replacing Vitinha with Gift Orban sounds appealing. However, we remain skeptical about Vitinha’s departure this winter, as it is uncertain if any club would be willing to invest a significant amount in him. Additionally, the competition for the Nigerian striker’s signature is fierce, with numerous European clubs vying for his services.