Wrexham are on the verge of significantly bolstering their defensive ranks with the imminent permanent signing of Issa Kabore from Manchester City and the acquisition of promising left-back Jacques Ekomie from French Ligue 1 club Angers. These prospective deals represent a significant investment in Phil Parkinson’s squad as the Red Dragons prepare for another challenging campaign in the Championship. The club has already confirmed three first-team signings this summer, but these latest moves indicate a clear strategy to strengthen key areas, particularly in defence where injury issues have previously hampered progress.
The capture of Burkina Faso international Issa Kabore on a permanent basis from Manchester City would be a major coup for Wrexham. Kabore, who spent the entirety of the 2025-26 season on loan at the Racecourse Ground, proved to be an influential figure, featuring in 32 matches across all competitions. His contribution in the Championship was particularly notable, with his eight assists surpassing any other Wrexham player, highlighting his creative prowess from a wide defensive position. Having endured a series of loan spells since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2020, the 25-year-old appears to be seeking a permanent home, and Wrexham are set to provide that opportunity. This move signifies a departure from Manchester City’s immediate first-team plans for Kabore, who has yet to make a senior appearance for the reigning Premier League champions.
Simultaneously, Wrexham are reportedly closing in on a deal for Jacques Ekomie, a highly-rated left-back currently contracted to Angers. Ekomie, who is entering the final year of his contract with the French outfit, has also attracted attention from Championship rivals West Ham United and German club Hamburg, underscoring his growing reputation. The Gabon international’s potential arrival would provide much-needed competition and depth to Wrexham’s left-sided options, an area that has been subject to disruption.
Wrexham’s Defensive Reinforcements: A Strategic Approach
The potential signings of Kabore and Ekomie underscore Wrexham’s ambition to establish themselves as a formidable force in the Championship. The club’s recruitment strategy appears to be focused on securing proven Championship performers and promising talents with the potential to develop further. This approach is crucial for a team aiming to consolidate its position and potentially challenge for promotion in the seasons to come.
Issa Kabore’s journey to Wrexham has been a testament to his perseverance. After joining Manchester City from Belgian club Mechelen in 2020, he was immediately loaned back to his former club. This was followed by a series of loan spells across Europe, including stints with Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica, and Werder Bremen. His arrival at Wrexham on transfer deadline day in September of last year marked his first significant move within England outside of a brief loan at Luton.
Kabore’s debut for Wrexham was nothing short of spectacular. He marked his first appearance by registering a brace of assists in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road, immediately endearing himself to the Wrexham faithful. He quickly established himself as a regular starter under manager Phil Parkinson, his energetic displays and attacking intent from right-back or wing-back proving vital. However, his season was interrupted by a hamstring injury sustained during an international break in November. Despite this setback, Kabore made a strong return, featuring for Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before resuming his prominent role for Wrexham in the latter half of the campaign. His 55 caps for his country further attest to his international pedigree.
The Ekomie Factor: Addressing Left-Back Concerns
The potential addition of Jacques Ekomie addresses a critical need on the left side of Wrexham’s defence. The club’s previous recruitment of Liberato Cacace from Italian side Empoli during the 2025 summer transfer window, while a promising move, has been marred by persistent injury issues. Cacace, a New Zealand international, has struggled to maintain consistent availability, starting only eight of Wrexham’s 46 league games last season. His absence has forced manager Phil Parkinson to adapt, often deploying midfielder George Thomason in a makeshift wing-back role.
Ekomie’s move to the Racecourse Ground would provide a natural, specialist left-back option, allowing Parkinson greater flexibility in his tactical setups. The 23-year-old began his professional career at Bordeaux before making the switch to top-flight side Angers in the summer of 2024. He made a solid impression in his debut season, featuring in 21 matches across all competitions. His impact grew significantly in the 2025-26 season, where he became a cornerstone of Angers’ defence, appearing in all but two of their Ligue 1 fixtures. Of his 32 league appearances, 25 were starts, demonstrating his importance to the team and his readiness for a higher level of competition.
A Challenging Transfer Window and Future Prospects
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has openly acknowledged the complexities of the current transfer window. Prior to his side’s recent 1-1 draw with Watford, Parkinson lamented that several potential deals had fallen through, describing it as a "difficult window." Following the match, he tempered expectations about further significant additions, stating that there were "no guarantees" of further squad strengthening before the September 1st transfer deadline.
However, the imminent arrivals of Kabore and Ekomie suggest that the club’s recruitment team has been working diligently behind the scenes. These signings, if finalized, would join previously confirmed new recruits Danny Imray (full-back), Anthony Patterson (goalkeeper), and Ben Whiteman (midfielder) at the Racecourse Ground.
The club is also reportedly open to further strengthening its midfield and forward options in the remaining days of the summer window. This indicates a proactive approach to building a squad capable of sustaining a promotion challenge.
Kabore’s Impact and Ekomie’s Potential Contribution
Issa Kabore’s statistics from the 2025-26 season speak volumes about his offensive capabilities from a defensive role. His eight Championship assists were not only the highest for Wrexham but also placed him among the top creative players in his position across the league. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and provide penetrative passes from wide areas will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for Parkinson’s side. His experience of playing wing-back for Wrexham last term means he will require little adaptation, slotting seamlessly into a system that benefits from his attacking output.
For Jacques Ekomie, a move to Wrexham represents a significant step up in his career. Having established himself as a reliable performer in Ligue 1, he will be eager to prove his worth in the highly competitive English Championship. His defensive solidity, coupled with his potential to contribute offensively, could make him a formidable presence on the left flank. His arrival would also ease the burden on other players who have been forced to fill in at left-back due to Cacace’s injury woes.
Broader Implications for Wrexham’s Season
The successful acquisition of both Issa Kabore and Jacques Ekomie would signify a statement of intent from Wrexham. It would demonstrate their financial capability and their commitment to building a squad that can compete at the highest level. These signings would not only enhance the team’s immediate prospects but also contribute to the club’s long-term development.
The increased competition for places within the squad is likely to drive higher performance levels from all players. With a more robust and versatile defence, Wrexham will be better equipped to handle the rigours of a long Championship season, reducing the impact of injuries and suspensions.
As Wrexham prepare for their next fixture against Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night, the prospect of these new signings coming into the fold will undoubtedly generate excitement among the fanbase. The club’s proactive approach in the transfer market suggests a clear vision for the future, and these defensive reinforcements could be the catalyst for a successful season. The transfer window, which closes on September 1st, will be a crucial period for Wrexham as they look to finalize their squad and embark on their Championship campaign with renewed confidence. The club’s ability to attract players of Kabore and Ekomie’s calibre speaks volumes about their growing stature in English football.
