Wrexham are finalising the permanent signing of Issa Kabore from Manchester City following an impressive loan campaign with the Welsh club during the 2025-26 season. According to reports on 26 August 2026, the Burkina Faso international was scheduled to undergo a medical on Wednesday as the clubs moved closer to completing a deal valued at £2 million.
The 25-year-old right-back delivered an outstanding contribution during his temporary spell at the Racecourse Ground, making 32 appearances across all competitions. His creative output proved particularly valuable in the Championship, where he provided eight assists—a tally that exceeded any other Wrexham player that season.
How did Kabore perform on his Wrexham debut?
Kabore made an immediate impact after arriving on transfer deadline day in September 2025, registering two assists on his first outing to help Wrexham secure a 3-2 victory at Norwich City. He became a regular fixture in Phil Parkinson's setup until sustaining a hamstring injury during international duty in November. Following his recovery and participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso, he returned to prominence for Wrexham during the second half of the campaign.
What is Kabore's background at Manchester City?
The 55-cap international joined Manchester City from Belgian side Mechelen in 2020 but has never made a senior appearance for the club. Instead, he has undertaken seven separate loan moves away from Etihad Stadium, gaining experience at Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica and Werder Bremen before his spell with Wrexham. His contract situation—having entered the final year of his Manchester City deal—increased the likelihood of a permanent exit, with City willing to negotiate a fee in the region of £1.7 million to £3.5 million.
Where does this fit in Wrexham's summer recruitment?
Kabore's permanent arrival would represent Parkinson's fourth summer signing. The manager has already secured full-back Danny Imray, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and midfielder Ben Whiteman. Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship during their first second-tier campaign in 43 years and are targeting further reinforcements before the 23:00 BST transfer deadline on 1 September. Parkinson remains keen to strengthen his wing-back options and could still add a centre-back and attacking midfielder to his squad. The club is also pursuing left-back Jacques Ekomie from French side Angers.
When is Wrexham's next fixture?
Wrexham return to competitive action against Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night, 30 August, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST. The fixture comes as the club continues its recruitment drive ahead of the imminent transfer window closure.
Key Facts
- Issa Kabore made 32 appearances for Wrexham during the 2025-26 season, providing eight assists in the Championship
- The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international has never played a senior match for Manchester City despite joining in 2020
- The permanent transfer fee is reported to be £2 million, with Kabore entering the final year of his Manchester City contract
- Kabore would become Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson's fourth summer signing following Imray, Patterson and Whiteman
- Wrexham face Birmingham City on 30 August with the transfer deadline set for 1 September
