Wrexham Closing In on Permanent Signing of Issa Kabore

Wrexham are closing in on the permanent signing of Issa Kabore from Manchester City, turning last season’s loan success into a long-term bet on one of their key Championship weapons.

The Burkina Faso right-back, used predominantly as a rampaging wing-back under Phil Parkinson, lit up Wrexham’s first campaign back in the second tier for 43 years. He played 32 times in all competitions in 2025-26 and finished with eight Championship assists – more than any other Wrexham player.

For a club still adjusting to life among the heavyweights, Kabore didn’t ease himself in. He tore into the division from the first whistle.

From Carrow Road to cult favourite

Kabore’s debut set the tone. At Carrow Road, under the lights and under pressure, he produced two assists in a 3-2 win over Norwich City that felt like a statement as much as a result. Wrexham didn’t just belong in the Championship; with Kabore flying down the flank, they looked dangerous.

Parkinson quickly made him a cornerstone of his system. Kabore’s pace and delivery gave Wrexham width, bite and an outlet whenever they broke lines. He was a constant in the starting XI until a hamstring injury, picked up on international duty with Burkina Faso in November, stalled his momentum.

The setback was significant. Wrexham lost not just a defender, but one of their main creative sparks from deep.

Back from injury, back in rhythm

Kabore’s return came on the international stage. He featured again for Burkina Faso at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, shaking off the rust before rejoining Wrexham for the run-in. Once back in red, he slotted straight into the second half of the season and again played a prominent role as Parkinson’s side pushed on.

At 25, Kabore is finally cutting the cord with Manchester City. He joined them from Mechelen in 2020, only to be sent straight back to the Belgian club on loan. What followed was a tour of Europe: Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica, Werder Bremen, and then Wrexham on transfer deadline day last September.

Seven loan spells. No senior appearances for City. Now, at last, a permanent home.

Kabore leaves the Etihad without a single first-team game, but with 55 caps for Burkina Faso and a growing reputation as a modern, aggressive wing-back who thrives with responsibility.

Parkinson builds around the flanks

Parkinson has been busy already this summer. Full-back Danny Imray, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and midfielder Ben Whiteman have arrived to deepen and sharpen the squad that finished seventh in the Championship last season – a remarkable return for a club just back in the second tier after more than four decades away.

The manager has been clear: the wing-back positions are crucial to how Wrexham play. Securing Kabore permanently would lock in a proven performer on the right, while the club are also working on the other side of the pitch. Wrexham hold an interest in left-back Jacques Ekomie from Angers as they look to balance both flanks with athletic, front-foot options.

Parkinson is still not done. A centre-back and an attacking midfielder could yet follow before the 23:00 BST transfer deadline on 1 September, if the right deals open up.

For now, though, the focus is immediate. Wrexham open their new Championship campaign at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night against Birmingham City (20:00 BST). If Kabore’s permanent move is wrapped up in time, the player who turned a loan spell into a love affair may yet stride out again in red – this time knowing he finally belongs.