Could Richard Kone Be the Answer to Swansea’s Striker Search?

As a Swansea fan, there’s one question that’s been nagging at the back of my mind all summer: where are the goals going to come from? We’ve seen some promising defensive additions and midfield reinforcements, but the truth is, without a consistent goalscorer, we’ll continue to struggle to push for those play-off spots that every Jack dreams of. That’s why the recent reports linking us strongly with Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone have me genuinely excited.

Kone, a 22-year-old Ivorian international, had an absolutely standout season in League One last term. He bagged an impressive 19 goals in all competitions, with 18 of those coming in the league, a feat that earned him the League One Player of the Year award. That kind of consistent output is exactly what we’ve been missing. We’ve brought in young Bobby Wales, which is a good long-term prospect, and Zeidane Inoussa on the wing who can chip in, but we still need that focal point, that proven scorer who can turn draws into wins and create something out of nothing. Jerry Yates has been inconsistent, and while he has his moments, it feels like we need a different kind of threat up top.

It’s clear we’re not alone in seeing Kone’s potential. This isn’t just a quiet rumour; there’s serious competition for his signature. Preston North End are also showing strong interest, and it’s even been reported that they’ve already submitted a £3 million bid. Not to be outdone, newly-promoted Wrexham are also in the mix, no doubt looking to continue their meteoric rise through the divisions. But it’s not just Championship rivals we’re up against. French Ligue 1 side Toulouse and Belgian Pro League champions Union Saint-Gilloise are also reportedly tracking Kone. The lure of European football and a top-five league could be tempting for any player, so the Swans will need to move decisively if they truly want to secure his services. Interestingly, Kone was also the subject of a hefty £7 million bid from Luton Town back in January, which Wycombe rejected. This shows just how highly he’s rated and how determined the Chairboys were to keep him for their play-off push.

So, what kind of price tag are we looking at for Kone? Given that Wycombe turned down £7 million in January and he’s now entering the final year of his contract next summer, it’s a tricky one. Reports suggest Wycombe are holding out for “more than £5 million.” Preston’s reported £3 million bid suggests they’re trying to test the waters, but it seems unlikely that will be enough. For a player of Kone’s age, potential, and recent goalscoring record, £5 million to £7 million seems a reasonable estimate. While it’s a significant outlay for us, if he can replicate his League One form in the Championship, he could prove to be an absolute bargain. Considering we’ve spent “up to” £5 million on Zeidane Inoussa, the funds might be there if the club truly believes Kone is the missing piece.

The need for a striker at Swansea is undeniable. Last season, our goal tally of 51 was one of the worst among the top 12 teams in the Championship. We often created chances but lacked that clinical edge. Bringing in someone with Kone’s ability to find the back of the net would be a massive boost. He seems to be a natural goalscorer, the kind of player who lives for putting the ball in the net, and that’s precisely what we need. His arrival could also create healthy competition up front, pushing existing players like Jerry Yates to perform at their best, or even paving the way for a change in attacking dynamic.

Of course, a move to the Championship is a step up, but Kone’s trajectory suggests he’s more than capable of making that jump. His impressive rise from non-league football to being one of League One’s most sought-after talents speaks volumes about his character and ability. As a fan, I’m hopeful the club can put together an attractive enough package to bring him to SA1. Imagine him leading the line, firing in goals, and helping us push for that long-awaited return to the Premier League. Fingers crossed we get this one over the line!