Wrexham have commenced their winter transfer window with a significant acquisition, securing defender Zak Vyner from Bristol City in a deal reportedly valued at £1.5 million. The Welsh club announced on Sunday evening that the 28-year-old centre-back has signed a contract extending until the end of the 2028-29 season, with an option for an additional year.
Vyner's Arrival and Wrexham's Ambition
Vyner, a product of Bristol City's academy, has spent his entire professional career with the Robins since turning professional in 2015. He brings over 250 Championship appearances to the Racecourse Ground, having been absent from City's matchday squad for their recent 5-0 defeat to Derby County. His signing marks a shift in Wrexham's transfer activity, which had previously focused on departures this window.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Vyner stated, "I'm over the moon. Wrexham's ambition and the project already underway - the back-to-back-to-back promotions - is something you can't help but admire from afar. Now I'm involved, I can't wait to play my part." Wrexham currently sit sixth in the second tier following a 1-0 away victory over Sheffield United, as they pursue a play-off spot.
Previous Departures and Available Funds
Before Vyner's arrival, Wrexham's activity this window centred on outgoings. Key players such as Paul Mullin, Conor Coady, and Andy Cannon departed on loan, while club captain James McClean and striker Jake Bickerstaff made permanent moves to Derry City and Cheltenham Town, respectively. Despite these exits, club officials have confirmed that manager Phil Parkinson has funds available to strengthen the squad further.
Four Potential Deadline Day Deals
With the transfer deadline approaching, Wrexham are exploring several options to bolster their promotion bid. Here are four potential deals that could still be concluded:
Right Wing-Back Targeted
Wrexham have been actively seeking a right wing-back to address issues in that position. Issa Kabore, on loan from Manchester City, has performed well when fit, but his season has been disrupted by injuries, including a hamstring issue sustained while on international duty with Burkina Faso in November. Early targets included Hampus Skoglund of Hammarby IF and Sheffield Wednesday's Yan Valery.
More recently, the club has shown interest in Aston Villa's Kosta Nedeljkovic, Idrissa Toure from Pisa, and Portsmouth's Terry Devlin, as they aim to secure a reliable option for the role.
Elliot Lee's Future to Be Decided
Elliot Lee, a crowd favourite who played a pivotal role in Wrexham's recent promotions, has yet to make a league appearance this season. Manager Phil Parkinson has suggested a loan move for the 31-year-old attacking midfielder to ensure he gains regular playing time. Although an earlier proposed transfer fell through, the club remains optimistic about reaching a resolution before the deadline.
Additional Attacking Reinforcements
Wrexham are also keen to strengthen their attacking line-up. They previously considered a club-record £19 million bid for Angers FC striker Sidiki Cherif, but the 19-year-old opted to join Fenerbahce instead. The search continues, with reports indicating an offer has been tabled for Barnsley's Davis Keillor-Dunn. Other targets include Ipswich Town's Sammie Szmodics and Sheffield Wednesday's Bailey Cadamarteri.
Ryan Hardie Loan Move on the Cards
Ryan Hardie, who joined Wrexham last summer from Plymouth Argyle for a reported £700,000, has struggled for game time, scoring just once in ten appearances across all competitions. League One promotion contenders Bolton Wanderers are among the clubs interested in taking him on loan. However, Parkinson has emphasised that he will only approve Hardie's departure if a replacement striker is secured before the window closes.
As the deadline looms, Wrexham's transfer strategy reflects their ambition to enhance their squad for a sustained promotion push, with these four deals potentially shaping their prospects for the remainder of the season.
