Boost For Benni McCarthy? Bristol City Provide Promising Update On Harambee Stars Prospect Zak Vyner's Future

Harambee Stars could soon receive a major boost after Bristol City opened fresh contract talks with defender Zak Vyner, signalling stability around a player Benni McCarthy hopes to integrate into Kenya’s national team setup.

SportsBoom reports that the Robins have accelerated efforts to secure several key players whose contracts expire next summer—including Vyner, Anis Mehmeti, and Mark Sykes. 

The Championship side has already tabled new offers, with Technical Director Brian Tinnion confirming last month that Vyner and Mehmeti are among those who have been approached.

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Sykes, whose current deal ends in June, has also been offered improved terms as Bristol City attempt to avoid a mass exodus after a strong start to the season under new coach Gerhard Struber.

“We have secured Rob Dickie, we have offered Zak Vyner a new contract, Anis Mehmeti has been offered a new contract, and we've been in talks about extending a few who have two years left,” Tinnion said as quoted on SportsBoom

“We are looking to keep this squad together because it’s a really good group of players. If we can't invest, we have to keep what we have until we can sell them on to reinvest.”

Vyner, who earned his first Harambee Stars call-up in June 2024 under Engin Firat, is yet to make his Kenya debut due to documentation delays. 

However, current Stars boss Benni McCarthy previously revealed he has already spoken to the Bristol City defender and remains optimistic about securing his services.

“I spoke personally to Zak,” McCarthy said last September, as reported by Pulse Sports. “He felt it was a little bit too early because of the number of games in such a short period. 

“He didn’t want to put himself in a situation where he’d go back injured or distracted because he’s in the final year of his contract and fighting for a new deal at his club.”

McCarthy emphasised he understands Vyner’s dilemma, especially given the defender’s contract situation.

“You have to respect that — I’ve been there myself as a player, so I understand it from both sides,” he added.

Crucially for Harambee Stars fans, McCarthy confirmed that the 27-year-old remains committed to representing Kenya once the timing aligns.

“We reached an agreement. He wants to come and play for the national team, and we shall see him soon.”