Wycombe Wanderers face a huge fight to keep hold of their star man, Richard Kone, as EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal the striker is wanted by a number of clubs across the Premier League, Championship, and in Europe.
Richard Kone has been one of the most dangerous marksmen across the EFL so far this season, with 20 goals to his name for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
He’s helped the Chairboys chase promotion all season, and as we head into the final run-in, Kone and his colleagues are still sitting in second place in the League One table, though they face a tough battle to beat Wrexham to that automatic promotion spot.
There’s every chance we’ll be seeing Kone strutting his stuff in the Championship next season wearing a Wycombe shirt. But, it’s just as likely we’ll see him wearing another team’s colours.
In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal an array of clubs are queuing up to sign Kone, and there’s only one thing Wycombe can do to stop him going.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Richard Kone is ‘on the radar’ for EFL clubs, Premier League and European clubs also keen
Speaking to TBR Football’s Chief Football Correspondent and transfer expert Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis learned Richard Kone has been the subject of scouting missions from various clubs in recent weeks.
Bailey said: “A number of clubs watched Wycombe star Richard Kone at the weekend. The 21-year-old is one of the most talked about players in the EFL and he was in good form on Saturday scoring what could prove to be a crucial last-minute equaliser in Wanderers’ 1-1 draw against Peterborough.
“We can reveal that Southampton, Ipswich, and Middlesbrough were all represented at the game to check on Kone.
“Kone is on the radar of a host of clubs including Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Norwich. We can also reveal that he has foreign clubs showing an interest with Celtic, Rangers, French club Toulouse, and Belgian outfit Union amongst those to watch his progress this season.”
Statistics Richard Kone (2024/25)
Appearances 38
Minutes 2,218
Goals 20
Assists 2
Shots on target 46.1%
Stats via FBRef – correct as of 11/03/25
Wycombe are staying firm in their efforts to retain Kone, but after resisting big offers in January, they may be powerless to stop the Ivorian moving on in the summer.
Bailey added: “Wycombe for their part, insist they have no intention of selling Kone – but much will depend on whether they gain promotion to the Championship.
“We can confirm they turned down multiple bids from Luton in January – worth in excess of £5million.”
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Richard Kone went from being homeless, to being a multi-million pound transfer target
It has been a phenomenal rise for Kone, who is now one of the most sought-after players in the EFL after just two seasons playing in England.
In 2019, Kone was playing for the Ivory Coast in the Homeless World Cup (HWC), taking place in Cardiff. He had been kicked out of his family home after a falling out with his parents at the age of 16.
After taking the HWC by storm, Kone was signed up by Athletic Newham, an amateur club based in East London.
After scoring 42 goals in the 2021/22 campaign for Newham and another 40 the following season, Kone was naturally scouted by Football League clubs, and made the move to Wycombe.
While Birmingham City may be the Champions-elect in League One already, Wycombe are defying the odds to push for promotion. If they can make it, they’ve every chance of keeping hold of Kone. Fail, however, and Championship fans will surely still get the pleasure of watching Kone in action next season.