Birmingham City and Middlesbrough have ‘done work’ on Richard Kone as Wycombe plot record-breaking offer

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EFL Analysis understands that Birmingham City and Middlesbrough have done their homework on Richard Kone as Wycombe Wanderers become desperate to keep him.

The 2024/25 campaign ended in heartbreak for Wycombe Wanderers, who were beaten in the League One play-off semi-final by Charlton Athletic.

Wycombe were in an intense battle with Wrexham for a place in the top two, but once Matt Bloomfield jumped ship for Luton Town in January, the Chairboys slowly saw their automatic promotion hopes fade away.

Worryingly, missing out on promotion via the play-offs could have wider implications on their summer plans, with striker Richard Kone likely to leave Adams Park.

Kone was named the League One Player of the Year after scoring 18 goals in 41 matches, and is now being watched closely by several teams.

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Wycombe Wanderers prepare record-breaking offer for Richard Kone

In March, EFL Analysis reported that as many as 10 clubs were tracking Kone after being impressed by his goalscoring exploits in the third tier.

Unfortunately for Wycombe, interest in the 21-year-old has intensified with the summer transfer window opening once more on June 16.

As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Wycombe are prepared to make Kone the highest earner in the club’s history in an attempt to keep him long-term.

The Ivory Coast striker has just 12 months left on his contract, and we understand that Birmingham City and Middlesbrough have ‘done work’ on him.

We can also confirm that Burnley are amongst those who ‘like him’ while relegated Southampton and Ipswich Town have ‘watched him closely’ over the last six months ahead of their return to the EFL.

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Kone’s main motivation behind leaving Wycombe

From playing in the ninth tier of English football with Athletic Newham to starring in League One with Wycombe, Kone’s story is remarkable, and the latest chapter is waiting to be written.

Although the Chairboys are willing to offer him club-record wages to keep him, it seems improbable that Kone will get his chance at a higher level.

In May, the clinical centre-forward earned his first call-up to the Ivory Coast under-23s, and ahead of a World Cup year, Bailey thinks Kone securing a move to a higher level and performing could result in a chance of making the senior squad.

The opportunity to make a World Cup squad in 2026 could ultimately fuel the youngster’s desire to join a Championship or Premier League club this summer, leaving Wycombe to say goodbye to their incredible striker.