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Wrexham have reached agreements to bring in wingbacks Issa Kaboré and Jacques Ekomié during the closing days of the summer transfer window.
Manchester City's Kaboré spent the previous campaign on loan at the Racecourse Ground, while Angers' Ekomié made a strong impression in Ligue 1 and drew attention from German side Hamburg during the summer.
Sports Illustrated understands the agreement for Kaboré will see him arrive at Wrexham for a fixed fee of $2.7 million (£2 million) on a three-year contract, which could increase to $6.5 million (£4.8 million) should certain add-ons be triggered. Manchester City will also hold a 20% sell-on clause on any future transfer fee, along with "matching rights," allowing them to match any transfer offer Wrexham accepts.
A comparable arrangement is expected for Ekomié, who is set to join for a fixed fee of approximately $9.5 million (£7 million) on a four-year deal. That amount could climb to around $10 million (£7.4 million) if certain conditions are fulfilled. Angers have also included a sell-on clause in the agreement, though the exact percentage they will receive remains unclear.
Why Wrexham Are Signing New Wingbacks
Wrexham had always intended to bring in a wingback this summer, but wrapping up the window with three new arrivals in that role would mark a notable shift in their transfer strategy. CEO Michael Williamson recently stressed that the priority was "quality over quantity" this summer, yet the club could now complete four signings in the final six days of the window, bringing their total additions to seven.
The pursuits of Kaboré and Ekomié follow Phil Parkinson's comments that he had a "good chat" with the club's transfer committee over the weekend, with co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds present to witness Wrexham's 1-1 draw against Watford in the Championship.
Wrexham have already secured wingback Danny Imray from Crystal Palace for $6.65 million, and he netted his first goal for the club in the Watford match. Kaboré's arrival will intensify competition on the right flank, though it may raise questions about the future of versatile wide player Ryan Longman.
Ekomié is anticipated to feature regularly on the left wing amid persistent concerns about the fitness of Liberato Cacace. The New Zealand international managed only 13 appearances during an injury-hampered debut season in North Wales and has already sat out the first three competitive fixtures of the new campaign. George Thomason offers a dependable backup option, but he is a natural central midfielder still adapting to the role.
Wrexham have ultimately concluded that they cannot afford to navigate an entire season with just one fully fit, natural wingback and have stepped up efforts to bolster both positions ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Red Dragons remain active in the market for a centre back and an attacking midfielder before the window shuts, with a striker addition also not off the table. Wrexham are exploring a potential move for Leicester City defender Harry Souttar, while they have shown interest in Millwall's Femi Azeez and Ipswich Town's Anis Mehmeti for the attacking midfield position.
Wrexham have until the English transfer window shuts at 11 p.m. BST (6 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to strengthen a squad that finished seventh in the Championship last season.