Luton Town have reportedly agreed a one year loan deal with Manchester City for the services of 22 year old full back Issa Kabore.
The Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reported earlier today that the Hatters had an agreement in principle with the treble winners, which also includes a contract extension at Man City for the Burkina Faso international.
The Hatters have been searching for a new right back, after it was revealed earlier in the summer that promotion hero Cody Drameh was happy to stay at Leeds United.
What will Man City’s Issa Kabore bring to Luton Town? In June 2020, Kabore signed for Manchester City for a reported fee of €4.5 million, having spent his youth career in his native Burkina Faso. The full back has spent 3 years on loan since, including an impressive spell at Marseille last season, where Kabore played 22 matches in Ligue 1 as well as four games in the Champions League.
However, the exciting young right back really made his name in the 2021 African Cup of Nations. Kabore sparkled as Burkina Faso reached the semi-finals, winning Young Player of the Tournament. In total, he has featured 28 times for his country, scoring two goals. Many Hatters fans would have been disappointed to learn that Drameh would not be returning to Kenilworth Road after an impressive loan spell. Kabore is a more than adept replacement though, perhaps even eclipsing Drameh’s abilities, as Luton look to make the step up to the Premier League. Kabore will slot perfectly into the RWB role in Rob Edwards’ side, despite predominantly featuring as an out-and-out right back throughout his career. His exceptional attacking abilities should allow him to slip into his new role with ease.
The 22-year-old was in the top one percent of Ligue 1 full backs for progressive passes received, as well as the top 7% for take-ons completed, showing many Marseille attacks would go through the Burkina Faso international. With Alfie Doughty on one side, and Kabore on the other, the Hatters would have two incredibly progressive and athletic wing backs. It would also enable Rob Edwards’ side to attack down both flanks, making them a more unpredictable outfit. Kabore isn’t just an attacking outlet however, proving reliable and consistent in the defensive aspect of his game throughout his short career. He is aggressive off the ball, in the top 15% of Ligue 1 fullbacks for tackles last campaign, and will need to draw on all his ability to succeed against the world’s best in the Prem.
Once again, Kabore is a sign of smart recruitment from the board, who have often been reluctant to turn to loan players, instead preferring to invest in the long-term future of the club. However, when loan players have been utitlised, it has worked to outstanding effect, Carter-Vickers, Dewsbury-Hall, and Nakamba to name a few of the best. If he indeed does sign for Luton Town, Hatters fans can expect big things from Issa Kabore in the upcoming campaign.
