Wrexham target permanent deal for Manchester City right-back with eye on Premier League | OneFootball

Manchester City-owned right-back Issa Kabore, who has not made a single appearance for the club, is on the brink of being sold to Championship side Wrexham.

Transfer Snapshot: Issa Kabore

The Premier League side let the Burkina Faso international star join the second-tier club, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, on a season-long loan deal in the summer where he has since featured in 1,472 minutes across 20 games.

But with his contract at the City Football Academy expiring in 2027, the 24-year-old’s future needs classifying after a stagnant and often frustrating few years at the beginning of his career has seen multiple loan moves backtrack his progress. 

The defender – who can also feature as a right wing-back – arrived in the north-west from KV Mechelen in the summer of 2020, yet Pep Guardiola’s side immediately sent him back on loan to Belgium, beginning a relentless cycle of struggle for the upcoming talent. 

Throughout his career so far, Manchester City have sent him on loan all over Europe.

Issa Kabore’s Manchester City loan history

Two years ago at Benfica, it was reported that a ‘lack of quality’ was visible from his very first match with the Portuguese side and the deal was cut short 13 months ago, where he then moved onto Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. 

His situation never improved in Germany and playing at the highest level was a serious concern for the right-back after only 304 minutes in nine matches. It was an extremely discouraging time for Kabore granted his initial move to the CFA six years ago was a huge boost for his confidence and morale.

What is the latest on Issa Kabore’s Wrexham future?

However, according to Africa Foot – translated and relayed by Sport Witness – he has enjoyed his time in Wales so far and has played to a standard that has convinced Wrexham’s coaching staff and management to consider making a permanent move. 

The STōK Cae Ras club have chance to build on a historic transformation since the takeover of Reynolds and McElhenney given they were in the National League in 2021. Three straight promotions have ensued in what has been one the fastest climbs in English football history. 

One of the most influential propellers has been the financial backing of the owners that this current campaign has witnessed. Of their 12 most expensive signings, 11 of them have come in the 2025/26 season, and that could increase with the enrolment of Kabore. 

Hugo Viana and Manchester City are open to selling the defender in the summer for anywhere between £1 million and £3 million – a possible record transfer for Wrexham. However, the price would be a concern for Phil Parkinson’s side, according to the report from Africa Foot. 

Despite this, the outlet claims that Wrexham are “prepared to seriously consider” buying Kabore, adding: “The message is clear; securing the Burkina Faso right-back is a strategic priority”.

Issa Kabore has provided four assists for Wrexham so far this season, all of which have come in the Championship.

Should Issa Kabore make the move to Wrexham?

Given the ambition of Wrexham and their ultimate desire to reach the Premier League within the immediate term, a move into the club on a permanent deal could be perfect for Issa Kabore – a player in need of stability in his career after successive loan moves.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the move would enable sporting director Hugo Viana to not only develop a strong relationship with his counter-parts in North Wales, but also sign off on a transfer that would further boost the club’s own financial coffers for the summer.