Championship duo Swansea City and Leicester City have emerged as running favourites in the race to sign highly rated Ivorian forward Richard Kone from Wycombe Wanderers.
A Rising Star In League One
Kone started his career in the depths of Non-League with Athletic Newham, before sealing himself a highly impressive move to the Adams Park Stadium. He famously named himself League 1 young player of the season, League 1 player of the season and secured a place in the League 1 team of the season after scoring 18 goals (21 in all competitions) during the 2024/2025 campaign.
His impressive performances caught the eye of clubs all around Europe including sides such as: Swansea City, Preston North End, Wrexham, Toulouse, and Union Saint‑Gilloise.
The Transfer Race Heats Up
Preston North End submitted an initial bid of £3 million which the chair boys decided to turn down. Following this Swansea have reportedly held dialogue with Wycombe preparing a bid in the region of £5 million. Although, Wycombe may still push for more as a bid from Luton (£6 million) was rejected in January 2025.
Why Swansea Makes Sense For Richard Kone
Last season Swansea’s goal scoring record fell short, netting a disappointing 51 goals, with no dependable number 9 in the squad, this shortfall contributed to a mid-table finish in the Championship.
Bringing in a proven goal scorer like Kone will bring the pedigree, consistency and cutting-edge goal scoring ability that Swansea so lacked last season. Furthermore, his presence would inject competition for the striker position, challenging players such as Jerry Yates and possibly changing the attacking dynamic for the Swans.
Factors and Considerations
With Kone entering his final year of his contract, due to expire in the summer of 2026, the pressure on Wycombe to sell is increasing due to needing to sell before his value drops. Additionally, Wycombe are reluctant to sell mid-season, believing they can push for automatic promotion if he stays.
How Will Kone Be Used
If the deal is completed, Alan Sheehan may choose to deploy Richard Kone in a 4231 or 433 shape as a lone striker supported by two pacey direct wingers such as Josh Ginnelly or Jamie Patterson. Sheehan will be looking to utilize Kone’s pace, quick and high press and ability to win physical duels.
Kone’s main task will be to stretch defences, finish chances and lead the pressing line. We can compare Kone to Michael Obafemi’s time at Swansea but with more physicality and a higher defensive work rate.
Future Potential
If Kone develops well, he could become a pressing machine and a major goal outlet ideal for a modern-day vertical system, potentially helping to push an ambitious Swansea side back into the race to get to the topflight.
Final Thoughts and Quotes
If the deal is concluded it signifies intent from The Swans to fight back from a disappointing season. It may also mark a key piece to Swansea’s push for promotion from the Championship. The deal getting over the line will depend on if Wycombe believe Swansea’s valuation is acceptable and if Swansea are willing to invest in a young Ivorian ready to light up the Championship and take his game to a whole new level.
“I have a really good relationship with Rich and as I said, the club have made him an offer to stay in terms of a new contract.
“I’m not involved in any of those discussions but I wanted to be honest with the fans and say, ‘Look, we have had – I don’t know what it is – four or five bids, it might be six.
“But for whatever reason it happens in football, it’s just accelerated really quickly and we’ve had a huge amount of interest.
“I’ll touch base with Rich on Monday when we’re back in. My plan is he’ll be involved at the weekend, so we’ll see how the week goes.” Mike Dodds said speaking to the Bucks Free Press.
