Preston North End started the summer window with a new-found conviction, but have since seen business slow down. With the Lilywhites looking to add their tenth signing, attention has turned to a domestic striker.
According to Jacob Steinberg (The Guardian), North End are upholding serious interest for Wycombe Wanderers‘ impressive number nine, Richard Kone. The League One outfit are seeking a fee surplus of £5 million to be tempted into a sale.
Competing clubs, with arguably more financial muscle than Paul Heckingbottom’s Lancashire outfit, include: Swansea City, Wrexham, Toulouse and Union Saint-Gilloise. The Red Dragons have already purchased Ryan Hardie on a free deal from Plymouth Argyle and could look to partner the 28-year-old with an emerging prospect like Kone.
Preston’s Honest Chance
As of now, Preston’s most expensive transfer arrival is Milutin Osmajić, who joined the club two years ago for around £2 million. With the context of these latest reports linking the Lancashire side to a young striker worth over double their existing record, the European sides – Toulouse and USG – may tempt the 22-year-old into a deal with healthier wages.
Swansea and Wrexham have shown financial capabilities in the transfer window already , with the latter reportedly reserving £10 million solely for the striker role.
Does Kone Offer Reward For Expenditure?
Richard Kone, first of all, has a heartwarming story. The 22-year-old began his career when he represented the Ivory Coast at the 2019 Homeless World Cup. Shortly after this impressive display of talent and determination, the striker signed for a 10th-tier English side, Athletic Newham. Wycombe rewarded Kone in 2023 with a professional contract in the EFL.
Over 73 appearances, the striker has contributed 34 goal involvements, scoring 21 in all competitions for Wycombe last season. The Chairboys finished in the play-off places but still remain in League One following a 1-0 aggregate defeat to eventually-promoted Charlton Athletic.
Writer’s View
The part that favours Preston, is their necessity for an Emil Riis replacement – following his release and switch to Bristol City. While £5 million will be steep, if a package can be meticulously crafted to suit their financial stability, then Kone may be the marquee signing that North End fans have been crying out for in the 21st century.
Preston supporters would undoubtedly get behind Kone from minute one of arrival, knowing his past as well as exciting potential, with a deserved wholesomeness if a transfer comes to fruition. However, it seems very unlikely unless Peter Risdale is willing to take a large gamble on a move with extremely high upside.
