Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner seals landmark move to Wrexham

Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner has taken a major step in his career after completing a permanent move to English Championship side Wrexham AFC from Bristol City, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 20-year association with the Robins.

The transfer, confirmed on February 1, 2026, is reported to be worth around £1.5 million (approximately KSh 265 million), though the fee remains officially undisclosed. Vyner has penned a long-term contract with the Red Dragons that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028/29 season, with an option for an additional year.

Confirming the departure, Bristol City posted on their official platforms: “We can confirm that Zak Vyner has completed a permanent move to Wrexham for an undisclosed fee, bringing an end to a 20-year association with Bristol City.” It was a message laced with gratitude and emotion, marking the end of an era for a player who joined the club’s academy in 2006 as an eight-year-old.

Vyner went on to make 264 appearances for Bristol City across all competitions, progressing through the academy ranks before making his senior debut in a 2–0 Championship win over MK Dons in February 2016. Loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Aberdeen helped shape his development before he became a regular fixture in City’s defence from the 2020/21 season.

His growth was recognised in the 2022/23 campaign when he was voted Players’ Player of the Year, a reflection of the respect he commanded in the dressing room. In October 2025, Vyner etched his name into the club’s history books by making his 219th Championship appearance, surpassing Marvin Elliott to become Bristol City’s record holder in the competition.

Beyond the pitch, the 28-year-old was also praised for his commitment to the local community, regularly supporting the Robins Foundation through outreach initiatives across the city.

At Wrexham, Vyner steps into a demanding environment, arriving as a replacement for Conor Coady, who recently joined Charlton Athletic on loan. He joins a club riding a wave of ambition, driven by back-to-back-to-back promotions and a clear objective of reaching the Premier League. As of early February, Wrexham sit sixth in the Championship with 47 points, occupying the final play-off spot.

Eligible to represent Kenya through his mother, Vyner has already received a Harambee Stars call-up back in 2024 during the World Cup qualifiers and has expressed his eagerness to feature again for the national team.