New signing Ryan Leak backed to be a "popular figure" at Walsall

Lee Grant believes Ryan Leak will prove a “popular figure” with the supporters, after completing his summer switch to Walsall.

The defender has penned a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months following a successful trial period with the Saddlers.

Leak has not played competitively since suffering an Achilles injury at Ross County in January 2025.

The 28-year-old has had a chance to prove his fitness over the course of his trial and Grant has backed him to make his mark at Walsall.

Leak will be a “popular figure” at Walsall - Grant

“It’s great to be able to bring Ryan into the football club,” head coach 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 spent 14 years on the books with Wolves at the start of his career and went on to represent them at under-18 and under-21 level.

He also had loan spells with The New Saints, AFC Telford United and Spanish second-tier outfit FC Jumilla.

Upon leaving Wolves in 2019, Leak remained in Spain for another two years, where he featured 27 times for Burgos CF (also in the Segunda Division).

“Nice to be in that environment again” - Leak

Leak returned to England with hometown club Burton in 2021 and played a key role in guiding Salford City into the League Two play-offs in 2022-23.

Two seasons in Scotland with Ross County followed and Leak is looking forward to getting back on track and enjoying his football again.

“Since the first day I came into the building, the gaffer and his staff have all been so welcoming and we’ve got a great group here,” Leak added.

“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.

“I’m a defender who likes to have the ball, play out from the back and win battles in the air giving my presence but 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.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here and looking forward to getting to work and giving 100% every time I go out there.”