Millwall have triggered a one-year contract extension for defender Wes Harding, securing his services until the summer of 2026.
The 28-year-old, who arrived from Rotherham United last summer, has now committed to a second season at The Den despite limited game time this term.
Bit Part Player
Harding featured just eight times in all competitions under Alex Neil but remained a consistent presence in the matchday squad. He notably netted Millwall’s only goal in their 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in March and is expected to play a more prominent role next season.
His new deal was finalised before a contractual deadline, according to the South London Press, and ensures continuity in a squad that is set to undergo changes following a near-miss in the Championship play-off race.
The former Birmingham City and Rotherham man boasts 169 appearances in the second tier and was part of the Millers’ side that achieved promotion from League One in 2022. Internationally, Harding has been capped three times by Jamaica.
Tom Leahy Exits
While Harding extends his stay, Millwall have also confirmed that forward Tom Leahy will leave the club as a free agent. Leahy took to Instagram to bid farewell after six years with the club, during which he rose through the youth ranks to make a professional debut in August 2024 against Bristol City.
“After six years, my time at Millwall has come to an end,” he posted. “I’d like to thank all the players and staff for your guidance over the years and especially the fans for all the love, appreciation and support you’ve shown me at U18s, U21s and the first team.”
Leahy also enjoyed loan spells this season at Woking and Maidstone United, the latter of whom he helped reach the National League South Promotion Final. His debut for Maidstone drew praise from manager George Elokobi, who said: “It was a fantastic debut by Tom… he had other suitors, but we’re delighted he chose Maidstone.”
Writer’s View
Millwall’s early summer business strikes a sensible balance between stability and squad evolution. Retaining Wes Harding offers a reliable defensive option heading into 2025/26, even if he wasn’t a regular this season.
Meanwhile, Tom Leahy’s departure will be felt emotionally by fans who watched his rise through the ranks, but a move away may offer him the senior minutes he now craves. The next few weeks will be crucial as Alex Neil looks to fine-tune a squad capable of returning to the play-off conversation.
