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Gabon Underdog Ekomié Seals Wrexham Switch After Ligue 1 Stint
Jacques Emmanuel Paul Ekomié has completed a permanent transfer from French Ligue 1 side Angers to Welsh club Wrexham, bringing defensive depth to the Welsh outfit.
Jacques Emmanuel Paul Ekomié has officially crossed the divide, swapping the demands of Ligue 1 for the rising ambition of Wrexham. The 22-year-old Gabonese defender put pen to paper on a permanent deal on 2026-08-26, marking a fresh chapter after establishing himself in the French top flight. Known for his physical presence and defensive grit, Ekomié arrives at the STōK Cae Ras as Wrexham look to solidify their backline for the campaign ahead.
At a glance
- Player: Jacques Emmanuel Paul Ekomié (22, Defender, Gabon)
- Move: Permanent transfer from Angers to Wrexham (2026-08-26)
- Fee: Not publicly disclosed
Career context
Ekomié’s professional journey began in earnest when he linked up with Bordeaux, before making a free transfer move to Angers on 2024-07-31. At Angers, the 179cm defender quickly integrated into the first-team setup, accumulating valuable senior minutes. His career trajectory shows a player steadily climbing the French football ladder, transitioning from Ligue 2/Free agency dynamics to fighting for a starting berth in Ligue 1. He has also represented Gabon internationally, showcasing his quality on the continental stage during Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
How he fits at his new club
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
Wrexham have secured a defender with proven top-flight experience in Europe. Standing at 179cm with a sturdy 74kg build, Ekomié brings a physical, duel-oriented style of play. His defensive attribute rating of 78 and high duel rating of 100 suggest a player who is aggressive in tackle challenges and comfortable in physical confrontations. For a Wrexham side looking to establish dominance in the Championship, his ability to win duels (58% success rate in the 2025 season) and his technical rating of 86 indicate he is comfortable carrying the ball out of pressure, fitting a modern defensive profile.
Recent numbers
The 2025 season provided a comprehensive sample of Ekomié's output. Across all competitions, he made 40 appearances, starting 33 matches and logging 2,934 minutes. In Ligue 1 specifically, he featured in 32 games, starting 25 and playing 2,240 minutes, averaging a rating of 6.56. His defensive contributions are highlighted by 87 tackles, 40 interceptions, and 12 blocks. Offensively, he contributed 16 key passes from his defensive position, maintaining an 81% pass accuracy rate. Internationally, he played 7 matches across the Africa Cup of Nations and its qualifiers, maintaining an average rating of 6.87.
Key takeaways
| Metric | 2025 Season Total (All comps) | Ligue 1 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 40 | 32 |
| Minutes Played | 2,934 | 2,240 |
| Tackles | 87 | 60 |
| Interceptions | 40 | 31 |
| Pass Accuracy | 81% | 81% |
| Average Rating | 6.62 | 6.56 |
- Defensive Work Rate: Recorded 87 tackles and 40 interceptions, showcasing high engagement.
- Ball Distribution: Completed 931 passes at an 81% success rate, providing a reliable outlet from the back.
- Discipline: Maintained a clean disciplinary record with only 4 yellow cards and 0 red cards across 40 appearances.