Wrexham Close to Finalising Transfer for Sixth Ex-Premier League Star as Reynolds and McElhenney Keep Splashing the Cash

When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney first walked into Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground with cameras following their every move, few could have predicted just how far and how quickly the club would rise. Fast forward a few years and the Hollywood-backed Red Dragons are not only rubbing shoulders with Championship regulars but also making a serious splash in the transfer market. The latest headline? Wrexham are edging closer to securing the services of Burkina Faso international Issa Kaboré, who could soon become their sixth signing with Premier League pedigree this summer.

Wrexham Transfer Push Continues with Sixth Ex-Premier League Signing

At just 24 years old, Kaboré already boasts the kind of résumé that would catch the eye of most ambitious clubs. Signed by Manchester City back in 2020 from Belgian side KV Mechelen, the energetic right-back was snapped up for his raw potential. Despite being contracted at the Etihad until 2027, he has yet to make a competitive appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, instead gaining valuable experience through a string of loan moves across Europe.

Kaboré has turned out for Troyes in France, Marseille in Ligue 1, and even spent time in the Premier League with Luton Town during the 2023-24 campaign. That season, he made 24 appearances as the Hatters battled valiantly but ultimately fell to relegation. His most recent adventure took him to the Bundesliga, where he featured for Werder Bremen in the second half of last season. In total, he has represented Burkina Faso on 49 occasions—a level of international pedigree that few Championship sides can boast in their squads.

For Wrexham, who are now operating in a league where depth and quality are essential, Kaboré represents a blend of top-flight experience and youthful energy. Manager Phil Parkinson is said to be keen on adding him to the squad before the transfer deadline, seeing him as an ideal fit for the club’s evolving identity.

Reynolds and McElhenney’s Wrexham Revolution

Issa Kabore Luton Wrexham

It’s impossible to talk about Wrexham’s rise without mentioning the Hollywood duo behind the curtain. Reynolds and McElhenney have brought far more than just financial muscle—they’ve given Wrexham global attention, a stronger infrastructure, and a growing sense of ambition.

This summer has already seen them pull off some eye-catching deals. Wrexham have brought in goalkeeper Danny Ward, midfielder Lewis O’Brien, seasoned defender Conor Coady, forward Nathan Broadhead, and striker Kieffer Moore—all names with Premier League minutes under their belts. On top of that, they secured Callum Doyle, another Manchester City talent, as part of their drive to build a squad not just capable of surviving in the Championship but competing.

Should Kaboré sign, he would be the sixth ex-Premier League star to join the club during this window alone—a staggering statement of intent from a side that was battling in the National League not too long ago.

Why Kaboré Fits Wrexham’s New Identity

Kaboré is not just a name with pedigree; his style of play could suit Wrexham perfectly. Known for his pace, athleticism, and ability to drive forward from right-back, he offers the kind of dynamism that can turn defence into attack in an instant. For a Championship campaign that will require versatility and depth across the squad, his arrival could provide Parkinson with exactly the kind of tactical flexibility he craves.

Moreover, his international experience with Burkina Faso shows a level of maturity beyond his years. To have nearly 50 caps at 24 demonstrates not only quality but also the kind of leadership that could be invaluable in a team mixing seasoned professionals with hungry young players.

The Bigger Picture: Wrexham’s Championship Ambitions

Some critics might suggest Wrexham are splashing the cash too freely, risking the pitfalls that have caught other ambitious clubs in the past. But so far, Reynolds and McElhenney’s approach has been measured. They’ve targeted players with proven top-flight experience while avoiding the kind of superstar signings that could unbalance the squad financially or culturally.

The Championship is notoriously gruelling—a marathon of 46 games where squad rotation, depth, and mentality play just as big a role as flair. In this sense, Wrexham’s recruitment strategy makes sense. Adding players like Kaboré not only strengthens the starting XI but also builds a bench that can cope with injuries, suspensions, and the relentless fixture list.

From Hollywood to Hard Yards

Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney Wrexham

The glitz of Hollywood ownership may grab the headlines, but what Wrexham are building is far more grounded. Players like Coady and Moore are battle-hardened professionals who know what it takes to win. Adding a younger, high-energy option like Kaboré blends the best of both worlds: immediate Championship readiness with potential long-term upside.

For the fans, the excitement is palpable. After years of struggle and lower-league obscurity, watching their club go toe-to-toe in transfer negotiations with the likes of Manchester City—albeit for a player who has yet to feature for them—feels surreal. It is proof that Wrexham’s story is no longer just a fairytale; it’s a genuine footballing project with serious ambition.

What Comes Next

If Wrexham do get this deal over the line, the question will inevitably shift to how high they can realistically aim this season. Survival in the Championship is usually the first objective for a newly promoted side, but given their business this summer, few would be surprised if Wrexham found themselves pushing higher up the table. A playoff push may sound ambitious, but with Reynolds and McElhenney backing the club, ambition is exactly what Wrexham is all about these days.

For Kaboré, the move could also be transformative. After years of bouncing between loans, a permanent switch to a club where he can settle, develop, and play a key role might be exactly what he needs. And for Wrexham, it’s another chance to show the football world that they’re no longer just a Hollywood story—they’re here to compete.