Bristol City move to secure future of Harambee Stars prospect defender

Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion has confirmed that the club has tabled a new contract offer for Harambee Stars prospect Zak Vyner, as they look to secure the futures of key players ahead of a crucial campaign.

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Vyner, 28, is closing in on 250 appearances for the Robins since joining from Aberdeen in 2020.

The dependable center-back has been a cornerstone of the side and played every competitive minute last season as City reached the Championship play-offs.

The news comes after vice-captain Rob Dickie signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Ashton Gate until 2028.

“I think it’s imperative that if we can’t invest, we keep the squad together,” Tinnion told BBC Sport.

“We’ve secured Rob, we’ve offered Zak Vyner a new contract, Anis Mehmeti has been offered a new contract, and we’ve had talks about extending a few others who have two years left. It’s a really good group of players, and if we can’t spend, we need to protect what we have until we can reinvest.”

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Vyner’s consistent performances and leadership have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the Championship.

Unsurprisingly, several clubs expressed interest in signing him last summer.

The defender is entering the final year of his contract, and City turned down a £1 million (KSH 129,520,000) bid from Derby County last month, a figure below the club’s valuation.

Belgian side K.A.A. Gent and ambitious League One outfit Wrexham are also monitoring his situation.

It is not the first time Vyner has attracted suitors. Luton Town, Southampton, and Rangers were all linked with the player during the 2023/24 season, a period that led to his last contract renewal.

If no new deal is agreed, Bristol City faces the prospect of losing him for free next summer, as Vyner will be eligible to sign a pre-contract in January.

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A product of the Bristol City Academy, Vyner has spent over two decades at Ashton Gate, making 236 appearances and scoring four goals across all competitions.

He previously gained valuable experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United, and Aberdeen before establishing himself as a first-team regular in the 2020/21 season.

Vyner has started the current season strongly, featuring in all ten league matches as City registered four clean sheets.

He also played a key role in the club’s 4-1 opening-day victory over Sheffield United and their 2-0 EFL Cup win against MK Dons.

Born in London to a Kenyan father and an English mother, Vyner remains eligible to represent Kenya internationally.

He received his first Harambee Stars call-up in June 2024 under then-coach Engin Firat, although documentation issues delayed his debut.

Current Stars coach Benni McCarthy has since confirmed the paperwork is complete and views Vyner as a potential cornerstone for his future squads.

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“I spoke personally to Zac, and with the Championship and Premier League just starting, he felt it was a bit too early because of the heavy fixture schedule,” McCarthy said.

“He didn’t want to risk anything since he’s in his final contract year and pushing for a new deal at his club. But we’re in contact, and I know he’s keen to represent Kenya when the timing is right.”

Vyner’s club situation and rising profile could soon see him follow in the footsteps of other Europe-based players committing to the national team, adding quality and depth as Kenya builds toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.