Ross County have signed Welsh defender Ryan Leak from Salford City for an undisclosed fee.
Leak began his career at Wolves but was unable to make the breakthrough with the English Premier League club, spending time on loan with The New Saints and AFC Telford United.
Spanish club Jumilla was his next loan destination during the 2018-19 season, before he opted to remain in Spain with fellow Segunda Division B outfit Burgos following his release by Wolves the following year.
🖊 Ross County FC are delighted to announce the signing of Ryan Leak from Salford City.
25-year-old Leak, spent his formative years at Wolverhampton Wanderers making his debut in 2016.
Welcome to the club, Ryan!
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) August 8, 2023
He returned to English football with Burton Albion in 2021, where he made 16 appearances in League One, before joining Salford City for an undisclosed fee last summer.
Leak ended the campaign with 47 appearances and two goals to his name.
At 6ft 3in, former Wales under-17 international Leak will bring physical presence to the County backline.
Staggies boss Malky Mackay said: “I am delighted Ryan has decided to join Ross County.
“At 25, he is a terrific age to join the club, and has experience abroad and domestically which we hope to add into the SPFL.
“We have had to be patient to add some experience on the left-hand side of defence, but are delighted to be able to do that with Ryan.”
Leak becomes County’s ninth signing of the summer, and will compete with the likes of Jack Baldwin, Will Nightingale and Ben Purrington for a place in Mackay’s rearguard.
In an interview with RCTV, Leak said: “I am delighted. It has been a fair few busy days, but I am just glad to be here now.
“I met the lads this morning and they were very welcoming.
🎙️ Ryan Leak gives his thoughts on joining the club from Salford City. pic.twitter.com/eguN2PQqjc
— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) August 8, 2023
“It’s a completely new experience coming to Scotland. All my past experiences have helped me in different ways, so hopefully I can bring all that together and bring it to Scotland with me.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I have grown a lot as a player on and off the pitch.
“I will give 100% and be committed, especially on the pitch. I’m a defender and I would say I’m composed on the ball and like to play football, but defensively I love to keep the ball out of the net.”
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