Dean Smith denies Jonathan Kodjia exit rumours

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia will not be leaving before the European window closes. Dean Smith told a press conference (via the club’s official YouTube channel) that Kodjia will be staying at Aston Villa.

Besiktas have been linked with a move for Kodjia during the European transfer window, as per Orta Cizgi. However, Smith has quashed these rumours and told reports that Kodjia will remain in the West Midlands. As shown on their YouTube page, Smith said: “We don’t welcome any offers.”

The Ivory Coast international came on as a substitute in the first game of the Premier League season. Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur but it was a promising performance from Smith’s men.

Aston Villa have now been boosted by the news that Kodjia will be staying at Villa Park. Despite being linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas, Kodjia will be used by Smith this season.

However, Smith did add (in the same press conference) that Kodjia is currently out injured. Kodjia, James Chester and Kortney Hause will all miss this weekend’s game against Bournemouth.

TBR’s view

It makes little sense for Aston Villa to sanction Kodjia’s departure now with the English window closed. The 29-year-old is effectively Aston Villa’s first reserve behind Wesley Moraes.

Keinan Davis is also at the club but he is young, raw and inexperienced. Aston Villa need Kodjia in their squad in case Wesley gets injured or if his form is poor. When the January window opens, they can reassess but there is no pressure to sell him.