The striker joined Villa from Bristol City in an £11 million deal which could ultimately rise to £15 million.
New Aston Villa signing Jonathan Kodjia has told AVTV that he is pleased to have joined because playing for a club of Villa’s stature is important for his development, and voiced his excitement at becoming part of a prolific strikeforce.
Kodjia signed a four-year deal at Villa from Bristol City to complete a transfer which is initially worth £11 million but could rise to a Championship record of £15 million, depending on goals, appearances, and promotion.
The 26-year-old, who has one goal from two Ivory Coast caps, becomes the latest addition in what is now looking like a hugely potent Villa strikeforce.
Villa now have two of last season’s top four Championship goalscorers in their squad in the form of Kodjia and fellow summer signing Ross McCormack, as well as Rudy Gestede, who hit 20 goals in the second tier two years ago, and Jordan Ayew, who scored seven times in the Premier League last term.
McCormack, Gestede, and Ayew have all opened their accounts already this season, and Kodjia admitted that playing as part of such a prolific attacking line will be good for the development of himself and the club.
The new arrival told AVTV: “I’m happy to play for Aston Villa because Aston Villa is a very good club. It is a good moment for me.
“Last season they played in the Premier League, it is important for me and my progression because I need to progress every year for my football.
“It is important because Aston Villa have good strikers and I need that for progress for me. It is important for the project of the club because if me, Ross McCormack, Gestede and Jordan Ayew play well, the team plays well.”
With three strikers who all scored at least 20 goals in their last Championship season now in their attacking options alongside established Ghana star Ayew, Villa fans will be hoping that their firepower can seal immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
Kodjia will now depart for international duty as the Ivory Coast prepare for their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
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