Zak Vyner: Key Reasons Why Welsh Side Wrexham Signed the Harambee Stars Prospect

Wrexham have secured their first signing of the winter transfer window, bringing in defender Zak Vyner from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee as they aim for a Championship play-off spot.

The 28-year-old centre-back has signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2028-29 season, with the club holding an option for a further 12-month extension.

Zak Vyner's move was signalled when he was left out of the Bristol City squad for their recent 5-0 defeat to Derby County.

The Harambee Stars prospect, whose contract with the Robins was set to expire in the summer, expressed his excitement about joining the ambitious Welsh club.

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"I'm over the moon," Vyner said as quoted by BBC Sport. "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."

The defender's arrival follows the departure of former England international Conor Coady, who joined Charlton Athletic on loan for the rest of the season after signing for Wrexham from Leicester City in the summer.

Manager Phil Parkinson highlighted Vyner's versatility and quality as key reasons for the signing.

"Zak's a really good Championship player, he can play across the back three and in midfield," Parkinson said. "With Conor going to Charlton, we knew Zak's contract was up in the summer, and we've been having talks with Bristol City for a while. He's a really good signing for us."

Zak Vyner is a product of Bristol City's academy, which he joined at the age of 10. He made his senior debut in February 2016 and has since been a key player for the club, making 30 appearances in the 2025-26 season.

He also gained experience through loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United, and Aberdeen.

Parkinson revealed that Wrexham had been tracking the defender for some time, having attempted to sign him before the start of their current Championship campaign.

"We've followed his progress; we tried to get him in the summer. He's a great addition to the group," Parkinson added. "The squad strength is so important. A few players have moved on and we had some spaces to fill. Zak comes in and adds a lot of quality to the team."

Vyner is eager to contribute his experience to his new team, stating, "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."

Zak Vyner also shared a heartfelt goodbye with Bristol City's players, staff, and supporters following his transfer to Championship rivals Wrexham, telling the club's faithful that he is ‘one of you now.’

A product of City's academy, which he joined at just eight years old, Zak Vyner made his senior debut in 2016 against MK Dons as an 18-year-old.

He leaves BS3 nearly a decade later with 264 appearances to his name, becoming the club's all-time leading Championship appearance maker and helping them secure a top-six finish last season.

Despite choosing not to sign a new contract, the 28-year-old has been a fixture in south Bristol for most of his life. As his time with the club concluded, he paid tribute to those who supported him along the way.

In a statement released by the club, Vyner said, "I’ve been on this journey with you since I was eight. I never imagined it would go this far. It’s been an honour to represent you, and I’m so proud to have worn the shirt so many times."

"To all my managers and coaches, I’ve learned lessons from all of you. A special message to the gaffer, Gerhard Struber, it’s been a privilege to play for you these past few months. The energy, confidence, and belief you’ve shown me I will always carry with me."

"To every one of my teammates, it’s been a pleasure to share a dressing room. We’ve made so many special memories together on and off the pitch and I’ve got friends for life."

"And finally, the fans. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve shared so many amazing moments together. And I’m one of you now."

Vyner's move to North Wales makes him the fourth permanent departure from Ashton Gate this winter, following Haydon Roberts (Reading), Max O'Leary (West Brom), and Anis Mehmeti (Ipswich Town). Additionally, five first-team players have left on loan, including Josh Stokes (Stockport County) and Harry Cornick (Stevenage).