Wrexham Splash $12 Million on Two Wingbacks to Rescue Struggling Season After Winless Opening

Wrexham have confirmed the additions of wingback pair Issa Kaboré and Jacques Ekomié in the closing days of the summer transfer window.

Both players were officially presented as Wrexham signings on Thursday morning and are set to be included in the matchday squad for the Championship clash against Birmingham City on Friday evening. It remains uncertain whether either will be ready to start, but Phil Parkinson is pleased to have bolstered his wingback options following a fresh injury setback to George Thomason.

Wrexham will be missing utility midfielder Thomason for 10 weeks after he picked up a thigh injury during the weekend stalemate with Watford, while left wingback Liberato Cacace continues to be sidelined with a persistent fitness concern. This left Ryan Longman and summer recruit Danny Imray as the only available wide options prior to the arrivals of Kaboré and Ekomié.

Parkinson believes both players will demonstrate "commitment" in their respective positions and compete with a "hunger and determination" that will connect with Wrexham's fanbase. Both are also natural wingbacks, a quality Wrexham lacked on a consistent basis throughout their first campaign back in the Championship.

Sports Illustrated understands the agreement for Kaboré will see him arrive for a fixed fee of $2.7 million (£2 million) on a three-year deal, which could climb to $6.5 million (£4.8 million) should various performance-related clauses be triggered. The deal for Ekomié is for a fixed fee of approximately $9.5 million (£7 million) on a four-year contract, with that figure potentially increasing to around $10 million (£7.4 million) if certain add-ons are activated.

Wrexham Accelerate Transfer Plans

Wrexham had been pursuing a deal for Ekomié for a number of weeks but stepped up their efforts following Thomason's injury the previous weekend. Parkinson watched the 23-year-old in person when he attended Angers' fixture against Paris FC in January as part of a scouting trip for striker Sidiki Chérif, but it was the left back who ultimately captured his attention in western France.

Speaking at his most recent press conference, Parkinson outlined why the Red Dragons chose to pursue Ekomié as their new left wingback.

"I think he's a profile of a player which suits what we want. He's got that power and strength, which you need the higher up you go. His qualities, which we looked at closely, were identified as a good fit for what we needed in that position.

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"The fans can wait and see if he gets the opportunity tomorrow, either from the start or the bench, or whether it's during the week, and they'll certainly see a player who's committed. I think that's one thing for sure with Jacques and Issa: they're both similar in terms of that. They play with hunger and determination, and when we're looking at players, that's what we want in our players, and they certainly fit that category."

Parkinson believes the tempo of French football is comparable to that of the Championship, meaning there should be minimal concern regarding Ekomié's adjustment to a new club. Although the majority of his experience has come as a left back in a four-man defence, he also has familiarity operating as a left wingback within a back five.

When pressed on what attributes he prioritises in new recruits, the Wrexham boss reiterated that work rate and mentality remain at the top of his criteria.

"Well, it depends what position, obviously; in certain positions on the pitch, there's characteristics we like in those areas. In terms of the general, the teamwork ethic, which requires the understanding of the ethos of the team. I think that's important, and there are certain qualities, which, when we presented to Jacques about how we play and how we see him fit into the role.

"I'd already seen those qualities in his games over in France. I think he fits into what we want as a player in terms of the position we want to play him in, but also the characteristics and his play as well."

Wrexham Bring Back Fan Favorite

Wrexham will also receive a significant lift from the return of crowd favourite Kaboré, who ended the campaign as the club's top assist provider during his loan stint from Manchester City last season.

With the 25-year-old available for such an attractive fee late in the window, securing his return to the Racecourse Ground for the upcoming season was considered an easy decision.

Including his stint in North Wales last season, Kaboré has completed seven loan spells during his time at Manchester City and is thrilled to finally establish a permanent base at Wrexham.

"We are pleased with Issa coming back. He was a very popular player with us last year, and I think our supporters really warmed to him, and I think the time is right in his career to get a home now," Parkinson said.

"He's had a lot of loan moves in his career and to really settle down and establish himself as a player. He's got a great energy and personality in the way he plays, and we look forward to working with him in the coming years."