Harambee Stars prospect opens up on his role in Wrexham’s hunt for EPL promotion
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 04.02.26. | 18:43
The 28-year-old, who has Kenyan roots but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the national team, joined the Red Dragons on the penultimate day of the January window
Harambee Stars prospect Zak Vyner has outlined the qualities he brings to promotion-chasing Wrexham FC after completing a move to the Championship side during the winter transfer window.
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The 28-year-old, who has Kenyan roots but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the national team, joined the Red Dragons on the penultimate day of the January window after his contract with Bristol City, managed by Gerhard Struber, was set to expire in the summer.
Vyner has signed a deal that runs until the end of the 2028-29 season, with Wrexham holding an option to extend the contract by a further 12 months.
The defender follows a familiar path to Stok Cae Ras, reuniting with former Bristol City teammate Matty James, who joined Wrexham in 2024.
Speaking after his unveiling, Vyner said he understands the magnitude of the task ahead as Wrexham chase a historic fourth consecutive promotion and believes his versatility and experience can add value to an already settled squad.
“For me, my natural position is centre-half, but I can play all three roles across the back line, and I have done that this season,” Vyner told BBC Wales Sport.
“The versatility I have got, stepping into midfield if needed or playing right wing-back, is something I hope will be a strong bonus for the lads and for the gaffer.”
Vyner also revealed that he will lean on the presence of James as he settles into life at the Welsh club.
“I just want to do what I can to make the team better; that is the mindset I am bringing here.”
The defender is under no illusions about the challenge of breaking into a team that has been performing strongly this season.
“I have never moved in January before, and it is always interesting because teams are usually settled by then,” Vyner said.
“When you join a team that’s doing well, like this one, you know places are not easy to come by. I know the lads here, I know the quality in the squad, and for me it’s about showing leadership, using my experience from the last ten years and helping an already good team become even better.”
Vyner joined Bristol City’s academy at the age of 10 and went on to become a key figure for the club after making his senior debut against MK Dons in February 2016.
During his time with the Robins, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Aberdeen.
Statistically, Vyner has been one of Bristol City’s most consistent performers this season.
He made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, clocking 2,476 minutes on the pitch.
While he did not register a goal or an assist, he showed his defensive strength.
His discipline record remains solid, with four yellow cards and no red cards across the campaign.
In the Championship alone, Vyner featured in 27 league matches, accumulating approximately 2,323 minutes.
His defensive output included around 35 tackles, 20 interceptions, 89 clearances, and 17 blocked shots.
His presence coincided with 10 clean sheets in matches he played, with 29 goals conceded during those appearances.
On the ball, Vyner offered dependable distribution from deep areas, completing roughly 966 successful passes at an accuracy rate of 77.8 per cent.
Though not a natural playmaker, he still created nine chances over the season.
He attempted seven dribbles, completing just over half, and won approximately 53 per cent of his duels, numbers that reflect his role as a positional defender focused on structure, balance and reliability.
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