BURTON Albion are delighted to confirm the signing of Burton-born defender Ryan Leak on a two-year contract, subject to international clearance.
Leak impressed as a trialist in our Bass Charity Vase game against Leicester City at the weekend, playing the full 90 minutes alongside Michael Mancienne at centre-half.
The 23-year-old began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing regularly in Premier League 2 for their U23 side, spending loan spells at The New Saints in Wales and Jumilla in Spain.
Upon leaving Wolves’ Academy in 2019, Leak joined Burgos, a Segunda División side in Spain, making 27 appearances in all competitions, and left the second-tier side in the summer.
Manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: “We have said we were looking for another option at centre-half and Ryan fits that bill.
“He’s had two years playing in Spain and wants to come back to play league football - he was very impressive against Leicester, which I think the fans noticed.
“It’s always good to have a local lad in your team and we’re sure the fans will love him for that. We think he’ll provide really good competition for those centre-back places.”
"It's unbelievable to be here and I'm delighted to get it over the line," said Leak.
"Since I've got back home from Spain, it has been non-stop. I played here on Saturday obviously and trained with the lads on the Friday before the game, and got the deal done on Monday.
"It was a great expeirence playing Leicester and to be fair the boys made me feel really welcome on the Friday, so it couldn't have gone any better to be fair."
Ryan will wear squad number 26 in his time at the Pirelli. Welcome to Burton Albion, Ryan!