QPR have signed forward, Richard Kone from Wycombe Wanderers for £5m.
Kone’s move to QPR comes after he enjoyed a successful 2024-25 season with 21 goals in 52 appearances as Wycombe reached the League One Play-Off semi-finals., whilst he was voted League One’s Player and Young Player of the Season at EFL Awards.
The 22-year-old has now left the Chairboys after 25 goals in 73 appearances across the last 19 months in all competitions, with QPR having had a £5m offer accepted which consisted of a £2.75m fee plus £2.25m in add-ons.
“It’s an amazing feeling, I’m really glad to join an amazing team, a great club,” explained Kone. “I can’t wait to get started.”
Kone spent four-and-a-half years in Non League with Athletic Newham during which he netted 125 goals in 148 appearances, and is now ready to tackle the Championship.
“I made my mind when the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready to take it. By God’s grace, it took the time that it took, four years, and when the time was right, I did take my chances and here I am.”
“It was a really positive chat,” he said. “They showed me the project and it was really exciting.”
Kone is excited to work with Julien Stephan who has replaced Marti Cifuentes as manager and believes that the Frenchman can help him improve his game.
“For what he has done in the past with young players, I think that as well was one of the things that pushed me.
“I want to know what it is to work under him.”
The Ivory Coast Under-23 international proceeded to tease what fans can expect from him beyond goals.
“I am really dynamic, like to work hard, run a lot, hold up play.
“I try my best to be better every day. I think they can expect goals from me – goals, working hard off the ball and linking up with my team-mates.
“I’ll back myself and say I will score goals. I’ve always believed in myself, no matter the level. You still have to improve, keep on learning and add to what you have already.”
Wycombe Head Coach, Mike Dodds paid tribute to Kone for earning a “great move” as he praised the forward for his impact on the club.
“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. It was clear from the start that he had fantastic potential and we were fully aware that he was a player that many other clubs would want to prise away from us.
“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.”
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