Queens Park Rangers sign Richard Kone from Wycombe Wanderers

The 21-year-old Ivorian leaves Adams Park after 18 months in Buckinghamshire, where he scored 25 goals in 74 matches, and departs for a club record transfer for the ex-Premier League club.

After scoring 125 goals in 148 games in four-and-a-half seasons at Non League Athletic Newham, Kone’s name began to circulate across the football pyramid with Wanderers eventually signing the forward on New Year’s Day 2024.

A goal on his debut against West Ham United’s U21s in the EFL Trophy set the scene for what would be a very successful year-and-a-half in the Thames Valley.

This concluded in him securing both the EFL League One Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season in the spring of this year, as well as being included in the Team of the Year.

His 18 goals in the league helped Wanderers finish in the top six as they took part in their seven play-off campaign as an EFL side, but narrowly lost to Charlton Athletic in the semi-finals.

Speaking on his exit, head coach Mike Dodds said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with Richard and have him as part of this squad during my time at the club so far.

“While we’ll miss him both as a player and as a person around the place, it’s a great move for him, and he leaves with nothing but our very best wishes and appreciation for everything he’s done for the club and the memories he’s given to the supporters.

“His departure provides opportunities for other members of the squad as well as for new signings to take on the mantle of scoring goals for us, and we move forward continuing to work as hard as ever to bring success on and off the pitch for this club.

Chief Football Officer Dan Rice added: “Although we have made every effort to keep him at Wycombe by making a series of substantial contract offers, we understand and respect that he wants to progress his career at a higher level.

“We have been clear that we would only accept an offer for Richard or any player which is right for our football club, and in this instance, QPR have met our valuation, and agreed to a deal which entitles us to future payments based on Richard’s success with his new club.

“We thank him for all his efforts and contributions here at Wycombe and wish him every success at QPR and for the rest of his career.”

Following his move to West London, Kone will wear the number 22 shirt for the Hoops.

His last appearance for the Chairboys came in the 2-1 home loss to Stockport County on August 9.

Speaking on his transfer, he told the club’s media: “I'm really excited. I've had a good pre-season, I'm feeling fit, sharp, so I’m ready, ready to go.”