Millwall extend contract of ex Birmingham City star as 'fantastic' striker quits The Den

Millwall have taken the option to extend the contract of defender Wes Harding, who will remain at The Den until the summer of 2026 and play a part in the club’s next season.

The 28-year-old only made eight appearances across all competitions this season but was a regular in the matchday squad and scored the Lions’ only goal in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at the start of March.

Harding would have become a free agent at the end of June should his deal not have been renewed but the South London Press has reported that Millwall have taken up a 12-month extension, which had to be activated before a deadline.

Wes Harding extends Millwall contract

The former Birmingham City and Rotherham United man has made 169 Championship appearances across his career. He was named the Blues’ Young Player of the Season in 2018 and went on to achieve promotion from League One with The Millers in 2022, winning the EFL Trophy in that season too.

Harding signed for Millwall as a free agent in July 2023 and has made a total of 34 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. He has made three appearances for the Jamaica national team.

While Harding is confirmed to be staying at The Den, it has also emerged this week that striker Tom Leahy will leave Millwall as a free agent. The forward announced on Instagram that he would part ways with the London outfit after six years with the side.

Writing on the social media platform, Leahy said: “After 6 years my time at Millwall has come to an end, I’d like to thank all the players & staff for your guidance over the years & especially the fans for all the love, appreciation and support you’ve shown me at u18’s, u21’s & the first team #millwall.

“I’ll never forget making my professional debut in front of a packed out away end and it’ll be a moment I will cherish forever. Thank you Lions and hopefully our paths cross again soon.”

Tom Leahy praised for ‘fantastic’ Maidstone United debut

Leahy made his first team debut in August 2024, coming off the bench against Bristol City, and then had loan spells at Woking and Maidstone United this season. Leahy helped Maidstone make the National League South Promotion Final.

Speaking about his debut with Maidstone, manager George Elokobi told Kent Online: “It was a fantastic debut by Tom, it was important we got him here, so thanks to Millwall for allowing him to come to us.

“He had other suitors in the National League and some of the big boys in the National League South that wanted his services but he chose Maidstone and we’re delighted for him having the feel of the Gallagher in fantastic voice.”

NewsAtDen reports that ‘several clubs’ from League One to National League South have registered interest in signing Leahy as a free agent. It is also reported that there is interest from abroad but no decision is set to be made until Maidstone finish their season.

In other news, QPR star wanted by Champions League chasing club as Millwall handed 43-word Middlesbrough transfer clue.