Wrexham Nears Permanent Signing of Issa Kabore from Manchester City
Wrexham are on the brink of turning Issa Kabore’s loan into a permanent signing, prising the right-back away from Manchester City after a standout season in North Wales.
Kabore, a 55-cap Burkina Faso international, became a key part of Phil Parkinson’s side in 2025-26, making 32 appearances in all competitions. Operating as an attacking wing-back, he delivered eight assists in the Championship – more than any other Wrexham player.
For a player who never kicked a ball competitively for City’s first team, it marks the end of a long and winding route out of the Etihad.
From serial loanee to Wrexham mainstay
Kabore joined Manchester City from Mechelen in 2020 and was immediately sent back to the Belgian club on loan. That set the tone. Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica and Werder Bremen all followed in a seven-loan odyssey that never once led to a senior appearance for City.
Wrexham finally offered something different.
Signed on transfer deadline day last September, Kabore exploded into life on debut, serving up two assists in a 3-2 win at Norwich City at Carrow Road. It was the kind of entrance that grabs a dressing room’s attention and a fanbase’s imagination.
Parkinson trusted him from there. Kabore nailed down the right flank in Wrexham’s wing-back system, his pace and delivery giving the newly promoted side a constant outlet.
Then came the setback.
On international duty with Burkina Faso in November, he suffered a hamstring injury that stalled his momentum and removed a key weapon from Wrexham’s armoury during a crucial stretch of the season.
AFCON return and late-season surge
Kabore’s return came on the international stage. He made his comeback for Burkina Faso at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, then rejoined Wrexham for the run-in, quickly re-establishing himself as a regular in Parkinson’s XI.
His influence down the right was one of several factors underpinning Wrexham’s impressive first year back in the second tier. The club finished seventh in the Championship, an eye-catching return to life at that level after a 43-year absence.
Now, after years of temporary homes, the 25-year-old is finally close to a permanent exit from Manchester City. Wrexham are poised to be the club that offers him that stability.
Parkinson’s rebuild gathers pace
Kabore’s expected arrival fits into a clear summer plan from Parkinson. The Wrexham boss has already moved to strengthen his spine and depth, bringing in full-back Danny Imray, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and midfielder Ben Whiteman.
He wants more.
Wing-back has been a particular area of focus, and Kabore’s permanent signing would lock down the right side. The experienced manager is also open to adding a centre-back and an attacking midfielder before the 23:00 BST transfer deadline on 1 September.
On the opposite flank, Wrexham are exploring a move for left-back Jacques Ekomie from French side Angers, another sign of the club’s intent to arm Parkinson with options in both wide areas.
For a club that only recently climbed back into the Championship, the recruitment drive is ambitious, targeted and relentless.
A new chapter begins
Kabore will leave Manchester City without a single senior appearance, but with a career finally pointing in one clear direction. Wrexham offer him a stage, a system that suits his strengths, and a fanbase that has already seen what he can do.
Next up for the Red Dragons is Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night (20:00 BST), the opening act of a season that could define whether last year’s surge was a one-off – or the start of something far bigger.
