Luton Town head coach Jack Wilshere has played down fears over Gideon Kodua’s future, insisting the Hatters are already positioned to complete a permanent deal for the on-loan West Ham attacker.
Kodua arrived at Kenilworth Road last summer after agreeing a season-long loan from West Ham United, with Luton confirming at the time that an option to buy had been included. While his early involvement was limited, the 21-year-old has become a key figure since Wilshere took charge, prompting growing calls from supporters for the move to be finalised.
Wilshere assures fans
Speaking after Saturday’s win, Wilshere reassured fans that there is little cause for concern, suggesting the player’s long-term future is effectively settled. He described the permanent switch as “in the bag”, underlining that the club remain relaxed despite Kodua’s form attracting attention.
“My message to the fans on that is I’m as desperate as they are,” he said. “That will be done, that will be done, whether it’s now, whether it’s before the end of the season, let’s see, because you never know what opportunities are out there.
“If there’s a case where we’ve only got a certain amount to spend then we’ve already got Gideon in the bag, so we know that. Let’s be patient with that one, but I also feel the fans, they want to see the announcement that it’s permanent, and it will be.”
The winger has enjoyed a sharp upturn in minutes and influence, starting six of Luton’s last seven League One fixtures. His match-winning goal against Stevenage at the weekend made it three games in a row on the scoresheet and took him to nine goals in all competitions this season.
That return leaves Kodua as Town’s leading scorer, edging ahead of Jordan Clark, and has only strengthened his standing among the Hatters faithful. With the January window now open, there had been concern that his progress could tempt West Ham to reconsider, but Wilshere’s comments appear to have settled the issue.
Deal sealed
When the deal was announced by West Ham, it was confirmed there was a clause to make in permanent in 2026, which many fans seem to have missed. It doesn’t seem there is a doubt around the move, and a recall is not possible either, so he is a Hatter and can be next season, should they decide to make it happen.
For Luton, securing the attacker on a permanent basis would represent another step in stabilising the squad under Wilshere, with the head coach keen to build around players who have embraced his approach and delivered consistently on the pitch.