Queens Park Rangers have agreed a fee for Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. QPR’s bid follows Kone’s impressive 2024-25 season where he scored 18 times and picked up three assists.
With the R’s agreeing a fee for the striker, the prospect of the striker moving to Lofus Road can be said to be increased.
What Would Richard Kone Bring To QPR?
The addition for Richard Kone to the QPR squad can be said to bring many things to the EFL Championship side.
The first of these is quality. The 22-year-old’s ability to shoot, score and create chances is clear from an insight into his 2024-25 statistics. These statistics show that Kone took a shot on 99 occasions whilst subsequently putting 40 of these on target. The Ivory Coast native also created 36 chances for his teammates. These figures shown display how the Wycombe striker is able to positively impact his team.
Another quality that Kone brings to a side is depth. Although the Rs already have six possible options in the striker position, the addition of the 22-year-old would add even more depth to the side. The amount of depth in this position would provide manager Julien Stephan with lots of possibilities in his 4-2-3-1 shape.
Potential Risk?
Whilst signing Richard Kone will bring quality amongst other things to QPR, there is certain risks that should be taken into account.
The first of these is his experience. At just 22, the striker has spent just one year in English football and this was in the division below. Therefore, the chances of Kone succeeding in the EFL Championship are not 100%. But, with the correct support, QPR will be hoping that the striker is able to adjust to life in the English second tier quickly.
How Will He Fit Into The QPR Squad?
Whilst at Wycombe Wanderers, Richard Kone played in a 4-2-3-1 formation under manager Mike Dodds, a direct match of Julien Stephan’s formational set-up. Therefore, if he were to join the Rangers, he would be playing in an exact match of the shape he played under last season – where he scored 18 times and finished joint third in the top scorer charts.
The fact that the striker would be playing in a familiar shape could help him settle into life at the EFL Championship club. But, with a new manager to play under in the form of Stephan, Kone would also be able to gain more knowledge, skills and experience which he can use both in his time at Queens Park Rangers and at other clubs.
A Summer Of Progression And Change At The Rangers
If QPR sign Richard Kone, he would become the Rangers’ sixth summer signing. His signing would follow the signings of Rumarn Burrell, Kealey Anderson, Kwame Poku, Amadou Salif Mbengue and Karamoko Dembélé.
Whilst QPR have made five signings, they have also sold or let several players leave the club. Among the names that have the left the club is 2024-25 EFL League One golden boot winner Charlie Kelman who won the award whilst on loan at Leyton Orient last season. The Englishman has now joined fellow EFL Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Is Kone A Good Signing?
The signing of Richard Kone offers quality, depth and skill in areas that are currently not viewable in the QPR squad. Whilst there would be concerns over the striker’s experience, the management team and squad at Rangers should help the 22-year-old to settle into life at Lofus Road.
Therefore, we think that this signing is good. But, what do you think? Let us know in the comments or on our official X page @LowerTiers.
