Swindon Town look set to miss out on re-signing forward Kabongo Tshimanga, with financial constraints likely to end their hopes of a permanent deal for the Peterborough United striker.
Tshimanga, currently on loan from the EFL Trophy champions, has been a key performer during his time at the County Ground, scoring 10 league goals including a clinical finish in the dramatic 5-4 win over Bradford City last weekend.
The 27-year-old, known for his composure from the spot, has converted six penalties without missing – one of the best success rates in European football this season. His impact in the final third has been significant, but the club now appear resigned to the likelihood that he will move on when his contract expires this summer.
“Wouldn’t It Be Great If He Came Back?”
Town manager Ian Holloway admitted the club’s summer plans will be shaped by wider financial pressures, including a major investment in pitch renovations at the County Ground estimated to cost around £160,000.
“Kabs, for example, has done brilliantly for us, and he is a wonderful human being, but he is on a lot more money than we are paying him at the moment. I think he is out of contract, so who is going to want him after what he has done for us? Loads of people.”
Swindon signed Tshimanga on loan during the final week of the summer transfer window after a drawn-out chase, only paying a portion of his wages to bring him to Wiltshire. Despite his contract ending in June, Holloway admitted the club would struggle to match rival interest in the forward.
With only Harry Smith and Danny Butterworth currently contracted for next season, a striking overhaul looks inevitable. Yet Holloway stressed the importance of sustainability and the need to build a side that reflects the club’s long-term priorities.
“Wouldn’t it be great if he came and played for us again? I would love it, but I am not in control of any of those things. I’m going to do what I can to try and make us worth buying a ticket to watch.”
Tshimanga’s future remains uncertain, but with his goal tally and performances turning heads, a return to Swindon appears increasingly unlikely.
Writer’s View
While Tshimanga has been a standout addition, this situation underlines the financial gap between short-term ambition and long-term planning. Holloway’s honesty reflects a club trying to stay grounded in its budget, but supporters will be disappointed if such a key performer becomes another “what if” in Swindon’s recent history.
