Speculation is mounting about Kodjia and him wanting to leave, and I must admit to being slightly concerned - as much by the possible fan reaction as anything. TBH, I sometimes find fans to be hypocritical with regards to their views on players' 'loyalty' and bemoan footballers as being mercenaries. It suits them to criticise players for wanting to move onto bigger and better things, but have no such qualms when their club signed the player in the first place, or when a less talented, fringe player is sold/released, despite said player not wanting to leave - because 'loyalty' only applies one way and to the more talented players. With that in mind, I won't begrudge him if he did want to leave for a bigger club, though I would be interested to know a bit more. If SL is be believed, we've not received a bid for him, so if he's throwing his toys out the pram, then that would leave a bitter taste in the mouth. I would expect him to leave it to his agent to scout around Premiership clubs to ascertain interest (I think a bid from a club like Hull might materialise). I'm sure we'll learn more over the next few weeks (possibly even the next few days)... I just hope that our fans don't direct any stick at him, because if it turns out that he's on the fence, it'd only encourage him to try and force a move away. The best thing for all concerned would be for us to cheer him, tell him we want him to stay and he gives his all on the pitch and in training. Good performances will either make bigger teams more likely to move for him (now, or in future), or he'll help us towards possibly mounting a challenge for the playoffs.
Like you I don't get this moaning that they are mercenaries etc. Yet ain't that the reason we get our players as they want to move further up the food chain so to speak, so some club will always suffer. According to my mate RR and all over OTIB, that it might be Middlesborough interested and part ex with Rhodes. Don't know what the truth is but if that's the case can't see Rhodes being on low wages and would hate it to be a loan deal. But if it does come off then welcome Jordan and all the best Jonathan.
IF he wants away i say then let him go,however my feeling is SL has said we will sell you to a prem side but not a championship side. I do wonder if fancied sides in the championship have shown interest,but not prem sides. This i reckon is the sticking point. Personally do i think he is prem quality,my answer is no. He needs to prove himself at championship level over 2 or 3 seasons consistently. On what i have seen Tammy at 19 years old is by far the better player.
Agreed that Premiership/Championship suitors could be a factor. Villa's interest seemed real enough, though obviously they've gone with McCormack. If there is a club that might have the finances and clout to interest him, it'd be Norwich, who pretty desperately need another striker. Many City fans wouldn't see that as a step up, though I think, being balanced, it would be fair to say that Norwich are more likely to go up than us. I'm confident that SL would stand by his word though, unless Norwich offered something truly silly like £15m and we lined up a replacement immediately. Not sure about the need to prove himself in the Championship for 2-3 years - it's not like he's a kid and he could possibly learn more by playing in the Premiership. Whether he's good enough or not is subjective. For what it's worth, I think if he were in the right setup he could score regularly enough (maybe a dozen goals over a season?). Abraham is special, there's no doubt about that, but there's also pretty much no chance of us signing him permanently - plus, there's plenty of room for both, so it's largely pointless comparing them, unless it were to decide who starts if we played with only one up front, in which case, the other would surely be subbed on to replace or play alongside.
As RR says, its been said by the owner that he's not for sale to another Championship club. Therefore if the rumours surrounding a possible move to Newcastle are true then it will be hugely disappointing if he is allowed to leave. If he goes to a Premiership club and is expected to cut the mustard in a first 11 then the club that buys him will be disappointed.
Gayle and Kojack in the championship would be a fantastic pairing. Having said that if Kojack and Abraham get together they could cause havoc in this division and take city up.
I hadn't heard of the rumours about Newcastle - can't see that happening though, seeing as they signed Gayle and already have Mitrovic and Ayoze.
Burnley rumour.. http://www.clarets-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/kodjia_set_to_join_the_clarets_892311/index.shtml
Hmmmmmm... maybe... If anything does happen, we're in a strong position, what with him having 2 years on his contract.
As long as he is a City player, he must give his all for the club. Anything less should frighten off potential suitors as this could well be their club in 12 months time if the player decides he wants to move on again. If we get an offer deemed acceptable, then so be it. Rumours are just that...usually lazy or sensationalism from the press or Internet forums where anyone can start a whisper.
Don't think you are on your own there mate, I would piggy back Kodjia to Middlesborough and Rhodes back again if that is the deal breaker
