Swindon Town are expected to miss out on retaining Kabongo Tshimanga this summer, with the striker’s impressive form and wage demands making a permanent move increasingly unlikely.
Tshimanga, who has been on loan from Peterborough United since the final week of the summer transfer window, has found the net 10 times this season – including a crucial goal during Swindon’s thrilling 5-4 comeback win over Bradford City.
The 27-year-old has also built a reputation as one of the most reliable penalty takers in English football, converting six consecutive spot-kicks without missing. His consistency in front of goal has turned heads, but his future appears to lie elsewhere.
Contract Up, Competition Rising
With his deal at Peterborough set to expire in the summer, Tshimanga will become a free agent – a situation that opens the door to numerous suitors. Town manager Ian Holloway has already acknowledged that the club will struggle to compete financially with others likely to enter the race for his signature.
“Kabs, for example, has done brilliantly for us, and he is a wonderful human being, but he is on a lot more money than we are paying him at the moment. I think he is out of contract, so who is going to want him after what he has done for us? Loads of people.”
Swindon were only able to secure Tshimanga on a partial wage agreement with Peterborough, and with major summer expenses – including £160,000 on pitch renovations – already planned, the funds simply aren’t there to match potential offers from elsewhere.
Holloway emphasised that while he would love to see Tshimanga return, he accepts that the forward may have options at a higher level.
“Wouldn’t it be great if he came and played for us again? I would love it, but I am not in control of any of those things. I’ve got to work all of those things out and do what’s best for the club.”
Currently, only two attacking players – Harry Smith and Danny Butterworth – are tied down for next season, adding further urgency to the task of rebuilding the frontline.
Tshimanga’s performances have ensured he’ll be on the radar of clubs across League One and Two, with free agency making him even more attractive to potential suitors. While Swindon may still hold out hope, the financial reality points towards his departure.
Site Opinion
Swindon fans will understandably be disappointed if Tshimanga moves on – his goals, movement, and personality have added much-needed energy to the squad. But with pitch upgrades prioritised and the squad in transition, Holloway is right to focus on building sustainably. Unless a major change occurs, Tshimanga’s time at the County Ground may end as a brief but brilliant chapter in an otherwise cautious rebuild.
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