Walsall have continued to reshape their squad ahead of the new season by bringing in two defensive additions: Ryan Leak on a permanent one-year deal and Declan Skura on a season-long loan.
The pair are the latest recruits under head coach Lee Grant as the Saddlers build a group intended to be competitive in League Two. Leak, 28, arrives after a trial period following his departure from Ross County in the Scottish Premiership last summer. His contract at the Pallet-Track Stadium runs for one year, with the club holding an option to extend for a further 12 months.
Experience and versatility added to back line
Leak’s career to date includes several spells in the English Football League and a period playing in Spain. He has previously represented Salford — notably reaching the League Two play-offs in 2022-23 — and Burton Albion, bringing a mix of English lower-league experience and time abroad that the club will be hoping can steady the defence.
Joining him is 24-year-old Declan Skura from Wycombe Wanderers, who arrives on loan for the season. Skura has made a dozen League One appearances across the last two seasons, with four appearances late in the 2025-26 campaign that included his first goal — scored against champions Lincoln City in the penultimate game.
Walsall have continued their summer recruitment drive
Pathway and recent form
Skura also spent time on loan at Yeovil Town in the National League last term after a first taste of non-league football with Ebbsfleet in 2023-24. That mix of Football League and non-league experience suggests he is a player who has been adapting to senior football and may provide cover and competition across the back line this season.
With the arrivals of Leak and Skura, Walsall’s summer recruitment reaches nine signings. Earlier additions include goalkeeper Jed Ward, defender James Connolly, midfielders Sven Sprangler, Lewis Simper and Isaac Moore, plus forwards Tai Sodje and Andy Dallas. The volume of business signals clear intent from the club to refresh the playing squad.
- Ryan Leak — 28, one-year deal with club option to extend; previously at Ross County, Salford, Burton Albion, and has played in Spain.
- Declan Skura — 24, season-long loan from Wycombe; 12 League One appearances over two seasons, first senior goal vs Lincoln City.
- Summer signings so far — total now nine newcomers as Walsall reshape the squad.
What this means for Walsall
For supporters, the recruitment activity will be encouraging if it translates into stronger performances on the pitch. Leak brings the sort of experience at EFL level the club will rely on, while Skura’s arrival on loan offers short-term reinforcement with potential upside if he adapts quickly. The one-year nature of Leak’s deal, with an option to extend, is a pragmatic move that gives the club flexibility depending on his impact.
Managerially, Lee Grant’s recruitment so far suggests a strategy of blending younger loanees and short-term signings with players who have established experience in the Football League — a balance intended to provide both stability and competition for places. The next steps for Walsall will be integrating the new faces and assessing whether further additions or adjustments are required before the transfer window closes.
| Player | Age | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Leak | 28 | One-year permanent (club option for +12 months) |
| Declan Skura | 24 | Season-long loan from Wycombe |
| Other summer signings | — | Seven prior arrivals this window |
Locally, attention will turn to pre-season fixtures and the opening league games to see how rapidly the new signings can gel and what formation Grant settles on. For a club with ambitions of climbing the Football League ladder, defensive solidity will be a priority; these two additions aim to address that need.
