Wrexham A.F.C. have completed the permanent signings of defender Issa Kabore from Manchester City and left-back Jacques Ekomie from Angers. The deals, reported by www.google.com this week, significantly bolster Phil Parkinson's defensive options as the team prepares for a crucial away fixture against Championship leaders Millwall on September 2nd.
Issa Kabore returns to the Racecourse Ground on a three-year contract after a successful loan spell last season. The Burkina Faso international, who made 32 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26, cost a fee that could rise to £4.75 million. Manchester City have secured a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights as part of the agreement. Kabore, who has 55 caps for his country, immediately made an impact during his initial loan, providing two assists on his debut in a 3-2 win at Norwich City. He led Wrexham with eight Championship assists last term before a hamstring injury sustained on international duty in November interrupted his campaign.
Who is new signing Jacques Ekomie?
Jacques Ekomie joins Wrexham A.F.C. from French club Angers on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The Gabon international left-back was in the final year of his contract in France and had reportedly attracted interest from West Ham United and German side Hamburg. His arrival addresses a pressing need on the left side of defence, where injuries have created a problem. New Zealand international Liberato Cacace, signed from Empoli last summer, has been plagued by fitness issues. Cacace started only eight of 46 league games last season and has missed all three of Wrexham's matches so far this campaign, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
How do the signings fit the current squad?
Phil Parkinson's defensive reshuffle has been a necessity. With Cacace unavailable, midfielder George Thomason has been operating as a makeshift wing-back. The permanent acquisition of Kabore, a natural right wing-back, and the addition of Ekomie at left-back provide specialist cover in both full-back positions. They join other summer arrivals at the club, including right wing-back Danny Imray, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, and midfielder Ben Whiteman. Parkinson acknowledged the challenges of the transfer window, stating that deals for various other targets had fallen through.
The manager expressed his satisfaction with securing Kabore. "We're delighted to welcome Issa back to the football club," Parkinson said. The player himself was equally pleased, commenting, "I'm very happy to be back. It feels good to be here again." Kabore's journey to Wrexham was circuitous; he moved to Manchester City from Mechelen in 2020 but never made a senior appearance for the Premier League side, instead having loan spells with Troyes, Marseille, Luton Town, Benfica, and Werder Bremen before joining Wrexham on deadline day last September.
What does this mean for Wrexham's season?
The new signings arrive with Wrexham sitting 14th in the Championship table, having taken two points from their opening two matches. Their record shows two draws, with two goals scored and two conceded. They currently trail table-toppers Millwall by four points, making their upcoming head-to-head clash at The Den a significant early-season test. You can track the team's progress in the standings.
These defensive reinforcements are a direct response to the team's early-season context and last year's injury troubles. Securing Kabore permanently after his productive loan is a major boost, while Ekomie offers a fresh and reportedly coveted option on the left. Their integration will be key as Wrexham looks to build momentum and improve upon their current league position. Fans can view the updated squad list on our squad page. The immediate focus shifts to the trip to face Millwall, a match that offers a chance to close the gap to the summit.
