Walsall have bolstered their defensive ranks with the signing of Ryan Leak on a one-year deal with a 12-month extension option. The 28-year-old defender joins the Saddlers after a successful trial period, with head coach Lee Grant already tipping him to become a fan favourite.
Who is Ryan Leak?
Leak, 28, has spent the past two seasons in Scotland with Ross County after returning to England in 2021 with Burton Albion. His career began at Wolves, where he progressed through the youth ranks and made loan moves to The New Saints, AFC Telford United and FC Jumilla in Spain. After leaving Wolves in 2019, he spent two years in Spain with Burgos CF in the Segunda Division, making 27 appearances.
He played a key role in guiding Salford City to the League Two play-offs in 2022-23 before his move to Ross County. Leak has not featured competitively since suffering an Achilles injury at Ross County in January 2025, but Grant is confident he has proven his fitness during pre-season.
What did Lee Grant say?
“It’s great to be able to bring Ryan into the football club,” Grant said. “He’s a vastly experienced defender with spells in both League One and Two and I’ve been impressed with him during pre-season. He has conducted himself well and fitted straight in to everything we’re about as a group.
“Ryan is keen to contribute in more ways than one and that’s something I resonate with. I’m very much looking forward to seeing him represent our club during the season and I have every confidence that he will be a popular figure with our supporters both on and off the pitch.”
Leak’s arrival comes as Walsall sit 13th in League Two with 65 points from 46 games, five behind play-off spots and 22 points adrift of leaders Bromley. Their last result was a 3-1 loss at Bromley on May 2, 2026, and they have lost four of their last five matches.
What does Leak bring to Walsall?
Leak described the club’s environment as welcoming and expressed his ambition to help Walsall push for promotion. “From spending a long period out it’s just nice to be back on the pitch again, having a feel for the ball and being in that environment again,” he said.
“I’m a defender who likes to have the ball, play out from the back and win battles in the air giving my presence. Ultimately I just want to contribute to the group however that may look and enjoy my football.
“I’ve played in the league before with Salford and had a good year there but for me now my aim is to replicate that here at Walsall and go that one step further. My ambition for that aligns with everyone in the building from players to staff.”
Walsall have conceded 56 goals this season and scored 56, leaving them with a goal difference of zero as they aim to climb the table after a difficult run of form.
