Wrexham Near Permanent Signing of Issa Kabore from Manchester City

Wrexham are closing in on the permanent signing of Issa Kabore from Manchester City, turning last season’s standout loan into a long-term bet on a player who has already become a crowd favourite in North Wales.

The Burkina Faso right-back, who operated as a relentless wing-back under Phil Parkinson, was one of Wrexham’s most influential performers in 2025-26. He played 32 times in all competitions and produced eight Championship assists – more than any other Wrexham player.

For a club feeling its way back in the second tier after a 43-year absence, Kabore offered instant top-level quality.

From Etihad loanee to Wrexham mainstay

This move would finally end a curious chapter in Kabore’s career. Signed by Manchester City from Mechelen in 2020, he never made a senior appearance for the Premier League champions. Instead, his time in England became a seven-stop tour of Europe: loans at Mechelen again, then Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica and Werder Bremen, before Wrexham swooped on transfer deadline day last September.

It took him 90 minutes to show why they had pushed so hard.

On his debut at Carrow Road, Kabore tore into Norwich City, laying on two goals as Wrexham battled to a 3-2 win. It felt like a statement – from the player and from a newly-promoted side determined not to just make up the numbers.

From there, he became a fixture in Parkinson’s line-up, driving up and down the right flank, stretching games and giving Wrexham a constant outlet in transition.

Injury setback, international stage, strong finish

The momentum stalled in November. On international duty with Burkina Faso, Kabore suffered a hamstring injury that cut into his club season and briefly halted his progress just as he had settled.

His comeback did not arrive in a quiet setting. He returned at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, pulling on the national shirt again before rejoining Wrexham for the run-in. Once back in the side, he quickly rediscovered his rhythm and again featured prominently in the second half of the campaign as Wrexham secured a seventh-place finish in the Championship in their first year back at this level.

For a 25-year-old with 55 caps for his country, the next step now looks clear: a permanent home, and a club willing to build around his strengths rather than send him on another tour.

Parkinson reshapes his squad

Kabore’s expected arrival comes as part of a broader, targeted rebuild. Parkinson has already moved decisively in the market, bringing in full-back Danny Imray, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and midfielder Ben Whiteman to deepen and sharpen his squad.

He has made no secret of his desire to reinforce the wing-back positions, an area central to his system. Kabore fits that brief perfectly. The manager is also open to adding a centre-back and an attacking midfielder before the 23:00 BST transfer deadline on 1 September, as Wrexham look to turn last season’s surprise into something more sustained.

On the opposite flank, Wrexham are exploring a move for left-back Jacques Ekomie from Angers, a potential mirror signing to balance Kabore’s attacking thrust on the right.

A club on the rise, and a player ready to settle

For Manchester City, Kabore’s departure will be a quiet footnote – a talented defender who never broke through the logjam of world-class options at the Etihad. For Wrexham, it feels far more significant.

This is a club that has gone from Hollywood storyline to hardened Championship outfit, and a player who has gone from serial loanee to cornerstone. The fit is obvious.

Next up is Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night, under the lights and in front of a fanbase that has quickly raised its expectations. If Kabore’s permanent switch is completed in time, he will not just be another signing.

He will be a symbol of where Wrexham now see themselves – and where they intend to go.