Zak Vyner has closed a remarkable chapter and opened an even bolder one, completing a permanent move from Bristol City to Wrexham AFC on February 1, 2026.
The deal, reported at around £1.5 million (Sh265 million) though officially undisclosed, ties the Harambee Stars defender to the Red Dragons until the end of the 2028/29 season, with an option for a further year.
From academy prodigy to club stalwart
Vyner’s transfer marks the end of a 20-year relationship with Bristol City, a bond that began when he joined the club’s academy as an eight-year-old in 2006.
He graduated through the ranks to make his senior debut in a 2–0 Championship win over MK Dons in February 2016, and went on to rack up 264 appearances across all competitions.
Loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Aberdeen sharpened his game before he became a defensive mainstay from the 2020/21 season.
Accolades and community impact
Vyner’s rise was recognised by his peers when he was voted Players’ Player of the Year in 2022/23, a testament to the respect he earned in the dressing room.
In October 2025, he etched his name into club history by making his 219th Championship appearance, surpassing Marvin Elliott as Bristol City’s record holder in the competition.
Off the pitch, the 28-year-old earned praise for his community work, regularly supporting the Robins Foundation and outreach programmes across Bristol.
Joining Wrexham’s ambitious project
At Wrexham, Vyner arrives as a direct replacement for Conor Coady, who has moved on loan to Charlton Athletic. He steps into a club riding a wave of momentum after successive promotions and with a clear aim of reaching the Premier League.
As of early February, Wrexham sit sixth in the Championship with 47 points, occupying the final play-off spot — a high-pressure environment where Vyner’s experience and leadership will be tested.
International prospects and next steps
Eligible for Kenya through his mother, Vyner has already been capped by the Harambee Stars, earning a call-up during the 2024 World Cup qualifiers.
He has expressed eagerness to don the national shirt again, and a strong run in the Championship with Wrexham could see him become a regular feature for Kenya. For Vyner, the move is both a fresh challenge and a chance to write the next chapter of a career that has already been defined by loyalty, resilience and steady progression.
