Peterborough United have confirmed striker Kabongo Tshimanga has been transfer listed following the conclusion of his loan spell at Boreham Wood, but what’s next for him ahead of the new season?
The 26-year-old arrived at Peterborough from Chesterfield in July 2023 but was almost immediately sent out on loan to Fleetwood before dropping out of the EFL completely to join Boreham Wood on loan.
However, Luke Garrard’s side were relegated on the final day of the season despite Tshimanga proving to be a big success for the club and now he faces an uncertain future.
After being placed on the transfer list by League One side Peterborough, his future appears to lie away from the club, leading to speculation on where his next move could be – especially considering he would likely cost a transfer fee, which in-turn would rule some sides out.
With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential destinations for the 27-year-old…
York City
Following a disappointing 2023/24 season, York City will likely spend more money this summer to ensure they avoid a repeat of last season and push further towards their EFL dreams and one way they could do that is by landing a big named striker in the Non-League scene.
Tshimanga is proven in the National League following his time with Chesterfield and York City lacked striking options last season, especially when Dipo Akinyemi sustained an injury. John-Lewis may have signed a new deal, but with clubs now able to name an additional two options on the bench, they need more.
Unlike the vast majority of Non-League sides, York have money to spend on transfer fees and stand a strong chance of landing him if they were to pursue him.
Southend United
Similarly, another National League side that I feel need a striker is Southend United. Kevin Maher’s side are currently awaiting confirmation of their ongoing takeover and are likely to face a difficult task of keeping hold of Harry Cardwell following a series of EFL interest.
Danny Waldron had an impressive end to the season after joining from Rushall Olympic but with Dackers returning to Salford, there is an opening for at least one striker to join the club. Tshimanga has a similar play style to former loan star Daniel Kanu which could be an attractive quality for Southend.
Just like York, Southend are also likely to be in a better position to pay fees for players this summer and although social media reports have suggested other targets, I believe Tshimanga is still likely to be on the clubs shortlist this summer.
Bromley
Following their promotion into the EFL, Bromley are likely to invest in several players as they look to stable themselves as an EFL side beyond the 2024/25 season, which also means signing players who have played in the football league recently.
Tshimanga had a loan spell with Fleetwood Town as well as a loan stint with Peterborough before joining permanently and that could give him an edge in terms of a potential shortlist this summer. He managed seven goals in 16 games for Boreham Wood last season, proving his clinical ability and match sharpness.
With Bromley being new to the EFL, it would be a gamble to sign someone like Tshimanga, but the clubs manager has proven multiple times that he has the ability to get the best out of his players and a move like that could prove beneficial for all parties.
Colchester United
After allowing John Akinde to leave the club, Danny Cowley’s Colchester United are likely to be in the market for at least one new striker this summer and with the managers Non-League experience, he is likely to be extremely familiar with Tshimanga.
Colchester clinched their survival in League Two on the final day of the season and after loanee Joe Taylor left in January, the club struggled to score goals as consistently as they did in the months prior and it almost cost them their place in the EFL.
With the Cowley’s likely to be familiar with Tshimanga and the fact he has found his goal-scoring form once again, this risky transfer could prove to be a fantastic piece of business from Colchester.
Swindon Town
Admittedly, my final suggestion is dependant on who will be the club’s next manager after missing out on Dean Brennan over the last few days, but if Luke Garrard takes the job there is a strong chance that Tshimanga will follow him to Swindon.
Striker Paul Glatzel is under contract but is likely to attract interest, which would mean a fee is gained if he does leave the club this summer. Following Crawley’s success in landing several Non-League players, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Tshimanga fall under consideration at the County Ground.
With Tshimanga recapturing his old form and him being a quick and physical forward, it wouldn’t surprise me if Swindon Town looked at landing the 26-year-old this summer.
Readers, would you take Tshimanga at your football club ahead of next season?