Swansea City are remaining calm in the transfer market as their pursuit of a new striker continues, with former forward Oli McBurnie and Wycombe Wanderers’ Richard Kone both looking unlikely to join.
Despite recent outgoings in the attacking department, the Championship side are prepared to wait until later in the window to land the right centre-forward.
McBurnie and Kone No Closer to Liberty Return
Oli McBurnie has been on Swansea’s radar all summer, but the 29-year-old free agent appears set to explore other offers. The Scotland international, who previously starred for the Swans before earning a big-money move to Sheffield United, has a number of options both in England and abroad. With head coach Alan Sheehan a former teammate of McBurnie at Bradford City, there had been quiet optimism of a reunion, but hopes have cooled in recent days.
Meanwhile, Wycombe striker Richard Kone, who netted 18 goals in League One last season, had emerged as another potential target. However, that trail has gone cold, and as things stand, the Ivorian is not expected to make the switch to South Wales.
This comes after the club sanctioned the departure of Jerry Yates to Luton Town and loaned out Florian Bianchini to Portsmouth. Despite those exits, Swansea are not expected to make an attacking addition before their season opener at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Window Strategy Hinges on Patience and Opportunity
Instead, the club are content to bide their time, knowing the right opportunity may present itself closer to the 1 September deadline. While fans may be eager to see replacements arrive swiftly, Swansea’s approach under Sheehan has been methodical and targeted.
The club are expected to complete the loan signing of West Ham United defender Kaelan Casey before the weekend. They are also in the market for two central midfielders and a left-sided defender to provide competition for Josh Tymon.
Melker Widell, whose deal was agreed in January, has now joined the squad officially, making him the sixth addition of the summer. In total, however, 15 senior players have exited the club, and winger Josh Ginnelly could be the next to depart after a quiet pre-season.
Writer’s View
Swansea City’s striker situation may appear concerning on paper, but their measured approach suggests they are unwilling to compromise on quality. The McBurnie connection made narrative sense, and Kone’s goalscoring record would have appealed, but neither deal has aligned with the club’s timing or valuation.
With multiple positions still to fill and limited funds available, patience could yet prove Swansea’s most valuable trait in a challenging summer rebuild.
