Celtic are under fire for missing out on one of the Football League’s top young strikers, Richard Kone. Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has claimed the club could come to regret not making a move.
Hendrie believes Celtic could have used Kone’s pace and hunger, which might have added a spark to their forward line and pushed other attackers for a place.
While Celtic held back, clubs like Leicester and QPR took more interest. Hendrie thinks Kone is more likely to get regular minutes at QPR, which could be vital for his development at this stage of his career.
It’s a situation fans have seen before. When a young talent is available, clubs must judge whether to act now or wait. Some are now wondering if Celtic’s decision not to go for Kone was too cautious and could cost them down the line.
He said: (Football League World), “I think to be quite honest yes, they will regret it.
“I think Leicester have a bit more strength, but QPR have a younger squad and he’ll probably get more game time there than at Celtic or Leicester and that might have been an important part of the decision.
“Between them and Swansea, it would have been between those two.”
Hendrie’s comments have brought fresh focus on Celtic’s transfer decisions, especially in the striker department. With a busy season ahead in Scotland and Europe, having enough firepower up front is vital and not signing someone like Kone could be a mistake.
Richard Kone is 𝗥’𝗦! 💙🤍
— QPR FC (@QPR) August 13, 2025
If Hendrie’s view is right, Celtic could regret not taking a chance on Kone’s potential. Young players often grow quickly with regular minutes, and teams like QPR who have less experience in their squads can give them that time to develop.
Celtic’s staff will say they know their squad well and that any signing depends on more than just talent. Fitness, flexibility, and whether someone fits Rodgers’ system are all key.
Still, Hendrie’s comments will get people talking about whether Celtic have missed out.
In the end, the results will tell the story. If Kone hits form elsewhere and Celtic struggle to create or score, Hendrie’s warning will look even stronger. Until then, there’ll be plenty of eyes watching to see who made the right call this summer.
