Bristol City's decision to reject a substantial £2 million bid from Wrexham for defender Zak Vyner could come back to haunt them, with the player now approaching a potential free transfer exit.
The Big Money Snub
During the summer transfer window, Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney saw a significant offer for the 28-year-old centre-back knocked back. The newly-promoted Championship side made their move late in the window, following their ascent from League One.
Bristol City stood firm, however, declaring Vyner was "integral" to their plans. After the window closed, CEO Tom Rawcliffe expressed his satisfaction at keeping the player, while acknowledging the pull of Wrexham's so-called "Hollywood money".
Contract Conundrum Looming
The club's resolve is now facing a serious test. Vyner, a product of City's youth academy, is in the final year of his contract. This leaves The Robins facing the genuine threat of losing him for nothing when his deal expires next summer, with no new agreement yet in place.
Manager Gerhard Struber has been vocal about his desire to keep Vyner at Ashton Gate. Ahead of his team's trip to face Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground, Struber admitted the club is in a "waiting position" regarding contract talks for both Vyner and teammate Anis Mehmeti.
"There is not one player in this team that I would want to lose," Struber told BristolLive. "I love to work with this team and we have to do everything so that we extend the contracts with players that have the chance they could jump in the near future."
Clubs on Diverging Paths
The two clubs are currently on different trajectories in the Championship. Bristol City are flying high in 4th position following a commanding 3-0 win over Swansea. Due to an injury crisis, Vyner has recently been deployed in central midfield.
Meanwhile, Wrexham sit 14th but are just three points off the play-off places and are unbeaten in their last six league matches. After their bid for Vyner failed, they signed Dom Hyam from Blackburn, who has become a standout performer.
It remains to be seen if Wrexham will return with a fresh, and potentially lower, offer for Vyner in the January window, or if they will wait until the summer when he could be available on a free transfer.
