Opinion: Aston Villa can repeat Kodjia trick by bringing ten-goal ace to England

According to The Sunday Mirror (28/04, page 68), Aston Villa are monitoring Cameroon striker Stephan Bahoken who is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Angers. By signing him, the Villans can repeat a certain previous success.

What’s the word?

Stephan Bahoken has been in excellent form for Angers this term after making the move from Strasbourg last season. In 28 appearances, the forward has netted ten goals, with four of those coming in his last ten outings.

He’s scored some important strikes too, with goals coming against the likes of Rennes, Nice, Marseille and Monaco. Bahoken, therefore, clearly relishes the bigger games.

However, according to The Sunday Mirror’s report, the Villans will face competition for the striker’s signature. Also keeping a close eye on the player are recently promoted Sheffield United, as well as Derby and Swansea.

It’s not known what sort of fee the French club would command for his services but Transfermarkt rates him at as little as €5m (£4.32m).

Kodjia trick replicated?

The addition of Bahoken would be shrewd, especially with Tammy Abraham’s loan deal at the club expiring at the end of the season.

Current Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia also played for Angers, and as a result, Villa can hope for similar success if a deal for the Cameroon international goes through.

Kodjia scored 15 goals for the French side before arriving in England with Bristol City. He had no trouble adjusting to English football and given Bahoken’s style of play and the goals he’s scored, it suggests he could also adapt to life in Britain. A short loan spell with St Mirren should also have helped in that regard.

Angers have deployed a similar formation as Villa this season which means he’d be suited to their style of play too. In France, he’s been playing as a lone forward, thriving off space he finds in behind.

Given that Kodjia has struggled at times this term, he could be a timely replacement. Both players like to dribble with the ball and because of that, it’s difficult to see the pair playing as a two-man attack.

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2L9xxbL