Mark Smith

Fri 22 July 2022 20:10, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...

Paul Robinson has insisted that Leeds United have made a real statement by securing the signature of Sonny Perkins this week after the move was confirmed.

The ex-Whites keeper admitted that although it won’t get fans excited immediately, it is a real “coup” to bring a player in from a team like West Ham that were much higher in the Premier League.

Perkins refused to sign a new contract at the London Stadium and signed on the dotted line with Leeds so now a compensation fee is due, or it will go to a tribunal.

“The recruitment below first-team level has been very strong,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.

“Mark Jackson has moved into first-team now after running the under-23s, he’s run an excellent side there, and it has fed the first team very well.

“It’s produced players that are more than capable of playing and breaking into the first XI. It’s another good signing, a player from a club of similar stature in West Ham, who finished in the top half and Leeds just avoided relegation but they’re still able to attract these sort of players.

“It’s a coup in that way.”

Done deal.

Perkins signing a multi-year deal is perfect for all parties.

Leeds have rejected all wrongdoing in the case after West Ham were left fuming, and now an agreement will be sought in the coming days with the attacker already in training.

Starting with the under-21s, Perkins will quickly look to emulate Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood by making that step into the first-team under Jesse Marsch in the Premier League.

Marsch admitted he has already heard good things, so that may not be long until he can make an impact once the squad returns from Australia.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites now want to sign this striker with a rival set to kickstart a major £30million+ transfer battle