Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere has confirmed he would like to sign winger Gideon Kodua on a permanent deal following another standout display in Monday night’s 3-0 victory over Leyton Orient.
The 21-year-old opened the scoring with a powerful strike from 20 yards, making it back-to-back goals over the festive period and taking his tally to eight for the season. Kodua joined Luton in the summer on loan from West Ham United, with the deal including an option to buy.
Wilshere was clear that the club are keen to activate that clause, praising both Kodua’s impact and his attitude since arriving at Kenilworth Road.
“Yes, for sure, that is in my opinion a really good signing with a really good option in it. He’s stepped up and that brings pressure for a young player, because from the club’s point of view it can feel like a trial, but he’s handled it.
“He’s really found a home here. The players love him, the staff love him and he wants to get better. He’s always asking questions, always wanting to look at clips, and that brings improvement. He practices finishing a lot and that showed.”
Like many top-level players dropping into League One, Kodua isn’t without his issues, but even the negatives are something former Arsenal man Wilshere can work with.
“At times he might overdo it, but what I love is that he goes again, he tries to win it back and he never loses his spirit. That’s important for a young player.”
Kodua’s goal typified Luton’s approach under Wilshere, with a measured pass from Mads Andersen finding the winger inside, allowing him to turn, drive forward and finish emphatically from just outside the box.
Who is Gideon Kodua?
Kodua came through the academy at West Ham United and captained their under-18 side to FA Youth Cup success in 2023. After gaining senior experience during loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers, he joined Luton ahead of the current campaign.
Initially used from the bench, he earned a reputation as an impact substitute before forcing his way into the starting side, beginning Luton’s last five league fixtures. Comfortable operating off the right or cutting inside from the left, Kodua has combined end product with work rate, and his recent run of starts has seen him become an early-game threat as well as a late one.
Luton remain in strong form as the New Year approaches, with Kodua’s development now a key part of Wilshere’s plans. The Imps go there in early January, looking for a first win at Kenilworth Road since April 1999.
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