Manchester City right-back Issa Kabore has become the subject of a late transfer window tussle,with four clubs now vying for his services as the deadline approaches. According to fresh reporting,
Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Hamburger SV, and Paris FC have all expressed serious interest
in the Burkina Faso international, whose future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain.
Kabore, who joined City in 2020, has been on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s senior squad, with his development
largely shaped through a series of loan spells. The 24-year-old has already accumulated experience across
Ligue 1, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga, most recently featuring for Werder Bremen
during the 2023/24 campaign. Despite showing promise, he has yet to establish himself as a long-term option
under Guardiola, prompting Etihad officials to consider permanent and loan exit options this summer.
His situation reflects City’s wider approach in the current window. Players struggling to secure consistent
first-team minutes are being allowed to move on, either permanently or temporarily. James McAtee
secured a full-time move to Nottingham Forest earlier this month, while Jack Grealish
completed a surprise loan switch to Everton, demonstrating the fluidity in Guardiola’s squad planning.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that most of the offers City have received for Kabore so far
have been loan-based, with clauses such as options or obligations to buy included.
However, City’s preference remains a permanent sale, with the club hierarchy eager
to generate funds for further squad reinforcement and to streamline the roster ahead of the new season.
Leicester City and Ipswich Town, both looking to strengthen their full-back options in
their Premier League campaigns, are said to be considering formal bids. Meanwhile, Hamburger SV,
who had cooled their interest earlier in the summer, have re-entered the race, reflecting the growing demand
for Kabore’s profile. In France, Paris FC have also emerged as a contender, adding a European
dimension to the transfer saga.
Kabore’s reputation in French football remains strong, partly due to his earlier exploits in Ligue 1 and his
performances at international level with Burkina Faso. Lyon were also previously linked, and while their pursuit
appears to have quietened, sources suggest a late revival is still possible if a deal structure becomes feasible.
For City, much may depend on how far clubs are willing to go in meeting their financial expectations.
With the deadline looming, the question is whether Kabore will embark on another loan cycle, or whether
this summer will finally mark a permanent break in his Manchester City journey. For the player himself,
securing consistent first-team football is the priority, and the next few days could prove decisive in shaping
his career path.
FAQs
- Which clubs are interested in Issa Kabore?
Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Hamburger SV, and Paris FC are all showing active late-window interest.
- What is Manchester City’s preference?
City would ideally prefer to sell Kabore on a permanent basis but remain open to loan offers with options to buy.
- Why hasn’t Kabore broken into Pep Guardiola’s team?
Despite loan spells across Europe and international experience, Kabore has struggled to convince Guardiola’s staff
that he can become a regular at the Etihad.
- Has Kabore played in the Premier League before?
Yes, Kabore has had exposure to Premier League football during previous spells, although his minutes have largely
come abroad in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
- What happens if no permanent offer arrives?
City may agree to another loan deal, potentially with an obligation to buy, if financial expectations cannot
be met by interested clubs.
Conclusion
Issa Kabore’s future is one of the late-window storylines to watch as Manchester City look to finalise their
squad ahead of the new season. With Leicester, Ipswich, Hamburg, and Paris FC all circling, the next few days
will determine whether the right-back embarks on another loan adventure or finally brings his City career
to a close through a permanent move. The Etihad hierarchy’s desire to cash in could force a swift resolution,
making Kabore one of the most intriguing names in the final hours of the transfer window.
