**Swansea City Considering Renewed Move for Richard Kone After Yates Departure**
Swansea City find themselves preparing for further activity in the summer transfer window after an eventful week at the club. Striker Jerry Yates has officially ended his stint in south Wales, sealing a permanent move to Luton Town for an undisclosed seven-figure sum. The exit of Yates, who first arrived at Swansea in 2023, marks the latest change in an evolving attacking line-up under manager Luke Williams.
Yates’ journey in Swansea began under former boss Michael Duff, but his fortunes dipped after Williams took the reins. During his first season, the forward managed eight goals but gradually fell out of favour. Last term, Yates was sent on loan to Derby County. There, he impressed enough for Derby to reportedly contemplate a permanent deal. Nevertheless, managerial changes at Pride Park saw those plans stall, and speculation over Yates’ future only increased when he, along with team-mate Josh Ginnelly, was excluded from the club’s summer training camp in Spain.
The departure of Yates, aged 28, coincides with a wider shake-up in Swansea’s squad. Forward Florian Bianchini has left on loan to Portsmouth, while Mykola Kuharevich has departed the club permanently. With these attacking gaps, Swansea’s need for reinforcements becomes all the more urgent. Yates had been attracting interest from former club Blackpool, yet he appeared unwilling to drop to League One. Instead, it is Luton Town who have successfully secured his signature, persuading him to join their Championship campaign.
Swansea’s supporters will be watching closely to see how the club spends the funds generated from Yates’ sale. Club sources have maintained that, at present, no incoming transfers have been finalised. However, attention has inevitably turned to the club’s next possible move in the transfer market, with Richard Kone’s name persistently linked to SA1.
The Ivorian striker, currently at Wycombe Wanderers, has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents outside the Championship. Swansea have made two unsuccessful bids for Kone, most recently tabling an offer around £4.5 million, yet Wycombe have rebuffed both attempts. The Swans face stiff competition, with Preston North End and French side Toulouse also reportedly chasing the 22-year-old’s signature. However, the situation appears fluid, as Leicester City are now believed to have joined the race for the League One Player of the Year.
Kone enjoyed a standout campaign last season, netting 18 league goals and earning widespread recognition. Swansea had initially looked well-placed in their pursuit but now find themselves fighting off ambitious rivals as negotiations continue. Club insiders indicate that a third bid from Swansea may soon be forthcoming in hopes of finally securing the young forward’s services.
Should Kone arrive at the Swansea.com Stadium, he would become the club’s latest signing in a busy window, following the acquisitions of Bobby Wales, Zeidane Inoussa, Cameron Burgess, Ricardo Santos, and Ethan Galbraith. Each new arrival represents a fresh attempt by the Swans’ hierarchy to provide manager Williams with the tools required to mount a strong Championship campaign.
Meanwhile, preparations continue on the pitch as Swansea City gear up for their final pre-season friendly. The Swans are set to host French club Lorient this Saturday at home, offering supporters a glimpse of the evolving squad ahead of the competitive season. The 3pm kick-off will be a crucial opportunity for new and existing players to impress before the serious business gets underway.
This reshuffling at Swansea highlights the fast-paced nature of the summer transfer window, where clubs must balance departures and acquisitions to stay competitive. With more moves expected before deadline day, fans remain keenly interested in how the squad will take shape and whether the arrival of a player like Richard Kone could be the catalyst for a new era at the club.