Wrexham A.F.C. have completed the permanent signing of defender Issa Kaboré from Manchester City. The 25-year-old right-wing-back has signed a three-year contract, keeping him at the Racecourse Ground until the summer of 2029, as reported by roundtable.io this week.
Kaboré returns to the Red Dragons after a productive loan spell during the 2025/26 campaign. The transfer fee was not officially disclosed, but reports indicate an initial payment of approximately £2 million. Performance-related clauses could see the total package rise to £4.75 million. His arrival bolsters Phil Parkinson's defensive options as the club, currently 20th in the Championship with two points from three games, seeks to improve on a start that has yielded three goals scored and four conceded.
How did Kaboré perform on loan?
Issa Kaboré joined Wrexham on loan in September 2025 and made an immediate impact. He marked his debut with two assists in a 3-2 Championship victory away at Norwich City's Carrow Road. Over the course of the season, the Burkina Faso international made 32 appearances across all competitions. His eight assists in the league were the highest tally of any Wrexham player, demonstrating his attacking threat from the flank.
His loan spell at Wrexham concluded a six-year association with Manchester City, where he did not make a competitive first-team appearance. Prior to his time in North Wales, Kaboré gained experience across Europe with loan stints at KV Mechelen in Belgium, Troyes and Marseille in France, Luton Town in England, Benfica in Portugal, and Werder Bremen in Germany.
Where does he fit in the current squad?
Manager Phil Parkinson now has increased competition at right-wing-back. Kaboré's return provides a direct challenge to Danny Imray, who joined the club last summer and scored on his home debut in the third round of the season. This depth is vital for the long Championship campaign, especially with Wrexham aiming to close a seven-point gap to league leaders Charlton Athletic. You can view the full squad options on our squad page.
Kaboré himself is focused on the collective goal. "All of us know that our aim is to reach the Premier League, and it's my duty to struggle for promotion," he said. "I'm fighting for the club, for the fans, and I want to return the love which was shown me last season."
What does this mean for Wrexham's promotion push?
The permanent acquisition of Kaboré is a clear signal of intent. Securing a player who was integral last season strengthens the squad's core as Wrexham A.F.C. continues its push for Premier League football. His familiarity with Parkinson's system and the club's culture should allow for a seamless reintegration. The club's immediate focus, however, shifts to the next challenge on the fixtures list.
Wrexham's next match is an away trip to face Millwall, who sit 7th in the table, on Wednesday, September 2nd. The team will be looking to convert their recent form of two draws and a loss into a positive result at The Den. For the latest league positions, visit our standings section. Issa Kaboré's contract with Wrexham A.F.C. runs until June 2029.
