Luton Town have signed West Ham United forward Gideon Kodua on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy, making it the third time boss Matt Bloomfield has swooped for the Hammers youth skipper.
The 20-year-old attacker, who has previously captained West Ham’s under-18s and featured regularly for their under-21s, twice joined the Hatters manager’s former Wycombe side.
Kodua, who can operate centrally or in wide attacking roles, is the latest addition as Luton reshape their squad for a promotion push in League One.
“He’s a boy I love; he’s got a steel, a resilience and a determination about him,” Bloomfield told the club’s website. “He came through as captain of West Ham’s under-18s and we signed him twice before, so it stands to reason we think a lot of him.
“He offers options both at wing-back, in attacking wide areas and in a high 10 position, and brings good dribbling ability while linking play. He’s got pace and power, he’s a great lad, and he will be someone who our fans will love watching.”
Kodua has been on Luton’s radar for some time, with Bloomfield telling The Lutonian: “We’re really pleased with Gideon. He’s someone that we’ve tracked for a little while. He’s obviously someone that we feel’s got huge potential.
“He’s had a good upbringing at West Ham and has done really well for their 21s. He’s been part of their first-team squad, trained with them a lot. He’s captained the under-21s.”
“He’s someone that we think can handle the ball really well and he’s got a real good eye for goal. He can play across the front three, so gives us good versatility, and again, is someone that we really believe in.
“He’s got a great personality. The lads really like him already and he’s settled into the group well. He’s come in and trained really well in the early part of pre-season, so we’re really pleased to get him done.”
Kodua himself said Luton’s set-up and the presence of Bloomfield made the move an easy decision.
“I thought a lot about my next move and narrowed it down, and this was the best option in terms of development and where I want to be,” he told LTFC+.
“There are good players here, a good manager and a good fanbase, so it was an easy decision. Obviously, the manager has played a big part. We met when I scored against Wycombe and a couple of days later he signed me.
“I’m a winner, and so is he, and he can see the direction I want to go – which is to the top. The season starts in just under two weeks, but I’m ready. I wish it could start now because I want to hit the ground running.”
