Forward Jonathan Leko has signed for Cymru Premier club Penybont after a summer trial with Notts County did not lead to a contract. The 27-year-old former West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City, and Charlton Athletic player moves to Wales, as first reported by Y Clwb Pêl-droed this week.
Notts County, currently 15th in League One with two points from two draws, had assessed Leko as they build their squad. The Magpies have scored and conceded three goals this season, sitting four points behind leaders Bradford City. Their immediate focus shifts to a home fixture against Burton Albion on 29 August, a match you can find on our fixtures page.
What is Jonathan Leko's career record?
Jonathan Leko brings extensive experience from England's top tiers. He has made 14 Premier League appearances and over 80 in the Championship. His League One record includes 44 appearances, six goals, and four assists. Across his entire club career, the forward has 250 appearances, 17 goals, and 19 assists. Last season, he featured 22 times in all competitions and registered one assist, helping his team achieve promotion to League One.
His trial at Meadow Lane was part of Notts County's pre-season preparations, but a deal was not completed. The club's recruitment continues as they look to improve upon their early-season form, details of which are available in our standings section.
Who else has Penybont signed this summer?
Penybont, managed by Rhys Griffiths and backed by new investors David Zeeman and Ryan Paisey, have been active in the transfer market. They have signed several players with Football League experience. Defender Liam Shephard joined from Newport County, bringing knowledge from 280 appearances in League One and League Two. The club paid a transfer fee to Aldershot Town to secure forward Ryan Hill.
Defender Max Melbourne, who had previous spells with West Bromwich Albion, Lincoln City, and Walsall, also arrives. He and Leko were teammates at West Brom. Penybont have also brought in Dan Higgs on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, a player who has previously played for the club. Another notable addition is 29-year-old forward Tyler Walker, who has over 100 Championship appearances and a prolific spell in League Two, having represented Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, and Portsmouth.
What does this mean for Notts County's squad?
Notts County's decision not to pursue a permanent deal for Leko leaves them assessing other options in the forward areas. The club's current attacking output will be under scrutiny as they seek their first win of the campaign against Burton Albion. With three goals from their opening two games, finding a consistent goalscorer remains important for the League One side.
The squad's composition and performance data can be tracked on our dedicated stats page. Managerial plans will now focus on maximising the potential of the existing group, which includes several new signings of their own, as they aim to climb the table from their current mid-table position.
Leko's move to Bryntirion Park represents a fresh start in a different league for the experienced forward. For Notts County, attention turns fully to the pitch and securing a positive result in their next match to build momentum in the early season.
