As per latest reports, Leeds United are looking to make a move for Aston Villa‘s striker Jonathan Kodjia. The 28-year-old missed a good chunk of last season as he was out of action due to a broken ankle and he managed just one goal for the Villans last season. Kodjia is being considered as an alternative to Matej Vydra and such a move will certainly disappoint the Peacocks fans a bit.
Vydra was the top goal scorer in the Championship last term as he steered Derby County towards the playoff spot. However, the Rams are looking to balance their books and are willing to sell their most tempting asset in the summer. Along with the Whites, quite a few other clubs are interested in him and as of now, the Peacocks don’t look any closer to signing the Czech Republican striker.
The Peacocks have been relatively inactive in the transfer market as they have only signed Lewis Baker from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal. Before that, they couldn’t make a move as they were still searching for a new manager after sacking Paul Heckingbottom. They have opted to go for the veteran Marcelo Bielsa and it remains to be seen whether the Whites can fight for the playoff spot in the upcoming season.
Signing a new striker will be of topmost priority for the new manager as they currently lack an out and out goal scoring forward. Last season’s top scorer Kemar Roofe managed 11 goals in the Championship and apart from him, none of the other players even managed to reach the 10 goal mark. They have even lost the services of Pierre Michel Lasogga who went back to his parent club Hamburg after his loan spell at Elland Road ended.
Kodjia had made just 15 appearances in the Championship last season and managed just 1 goal. However, when he was fit and running in the season before, he managed a decent haul of 19 goals in 40 games for the Blue and Clarets.
The Whites were also in the race to sign Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez but they seem likely to miss out on him as he has a chance to play with Russian giants CSKA Moscow. Kodjia is a decent option to have as he has plenty of experience in the Championship, however, after an injury-ridden season like last year, the club should have doubts in their mind before making a move for him. If they are really serious about challenging for the playoffs, they should look at other possible alternatives.
