The 20-year-old has joined the League One side on a season long-loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Luton Town have completed the loan signing of young Hammers forward Gideon Kodua, making him the club’s eighth summer signing.
Kodua has spent the last two seasons on loan at fellow League One club Wycombe Wanderers, so he is familiar with Hatters manager Matt Bloomfield, having played under him.
The youthful attacker joined West Ham at the age of 12 in 2017, making 51 appearances for the East London club’s U18s and 23 for their development side. In 74 games, he has 33 goals and 14 assists.
Despite being only 20, Kodua possesses all of the qualities of a leader, having captained the West Ham youth team several times, most notably when he scored from the halfway line and lifted the trophy in the 2023 FA Youth Cup final, which West Ham easily defeated Arsenal 5-1 at the Emirates.
Following his great season in 2022/23, the dynamic forward was named the Hammers’ outstanding scholar and received the Dylan Tombides Award. His success continued when he was awarded his professional contract.
He has yet to play for the Premier League club’s first squad, but has spent the last two seasons gaining men’s senior football experience.
In January 2024, the 20-year-old moved out on loan for the first time, joining Bloomfield’s Wycombe Wanderers, before returning to the Chairboys on loan for the 2024/25 season. During those two seasons, he scored 35 goals and assisted three, guiding Wycombe to the League One play-off semifinals last season.
Kodua will now join Bloomfield for the third season in a row, hoping to help the Hatters return to the Championship after only two years in the Premier League.
After completing his move, Kodua spoke with the Luton Town website.
“I thought a lot about my next move and narrowed it down, and this was the best option in terms of growth and where I want to go.
“There are good players here, a good manager, and a good fan base, so the decision was simple.
“Obviously, the manager has played a significant role. We met when I scored against Wycombe, and a few days later he signed me.
“I’m a winner, and so is he, and he understands where I want to go – to the top.
“The season starts in just under two weeks, but I’m prepared. I hope it could begin right away since I am eager to get started.”
Manager Matt Bloomfield spoke about reuniting with the youthful forward.
“He is a youngster I adore; he exudes steel, toughness, and determination.
“He came through as captain of West Ham’s Under-18s, and we’ve signed him twice previously, so it’s no surprise that we have high expectations for him.
“He can play wing-back, in attacking wide areas, or in a high 10 position, and he has 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 will be trying to receive consistent playing time and showcase what he has to offer; if successful, his move might become permanent.
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