Zak Vyner: Kenyan prospect signs for Wrexham AFC from Bristol City

EFL Championship outfit Wrexham AFC have confirmed the acquisition of Kenyan prospect Zak Vyner from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.

In a statement on their official website, Wrexham revealed Vyner, 28, has signed a contract until the end of the 2028-29 season, with the option for a further year.

A product of the Bristol City Academy, Vyner has spent his entire career with the other Robins since turning pro in 2015, and arrives having racked up more than 250 Championship appearances.

 

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‘I can’t wait to help out’

On signing, Vyner said: “I’m over the moon. I think Wrexham’s ambition and the project that is already well underway – the back-to-back-to-back promotions – is something you can’t help but admire from afar and now I’m involved I can’t wait to help out.

“I know a few of the lads, I know what the squad is and how good it is, and for me now it is about showing some leadership, helping out with my attributes and what I’ve learned in the last ten years and helping an already good squad be better.”

Vyner made his professional debut for Bristol City aged 18 in 2016. He spent time out on loan with Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Aberdeen before becoming a Bristol City regular from the 2020/21 season onwards.

A versatile and dynamic defender, Vyner made 264 appearances for the Robins in total, including having been ever-present as they reached the Championship play-offs last season.

Vyner earned first call for Kenya under Engin Firat

Born in England to Kenyan parents, Vyner made his EFL Championship debut in 2016 for Bristol City in a 2-0 victory against Milton Keynes Dons and the defender can still play for Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat handed Vyner a call up to the national team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

However, the 27-year-old was not able to make his debut for the East African nation after he was forced to travel back to the United Kingdom due to failing to acquire his Kenyan passport on time.

Vyner had already been named in the travelling squad for the two qualifiers, which Kenya went ahead to post a 1-1 draw against Burundi and a 0-0 outcome against the African champions.