Leeds United exit: Sonny Perkins now wanted in permanent transfer
Leeds United loanee Sonny Perkins is wanted permanently by Leyton Orient, their manager Richie Wellens has said.
The Yorkshire Evening Post shared on 20 January, via the Newham Recorder, that having provided 10 goal contributions in 28 games for the League One side, Perkins could join Orient on a permanent deal.
Perkins’ contract at Elland Road expires at the end of the season, but given the Os would likely still have to pay compensation if they signed him for free, they could fast-track a move before 3 February.
In quotes reported by the Newham Recorder (18 January), Wellens said: “We are negotiating with a centre forward and a midfielder playing in the number 10 role.
“We also want to sign Sonny Perkins on a permanent basis.”
Sonny Perkins finally finds his feet away from Leeds United
Big things were expected of Perkins upon his arrival at Elland Road back in the summer of 2022, having joined on a free transfer from West Ham following long-term interest during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure.
However, despite making a big impact in his first FA Cup match, scoring a last-minute equaliser against Cardiff in January 2023, Perkins – like so many other players post-Bielsa – saw his development stunted.
Barely given a kick as United fell out of the Premier League, and then shipped out on a forgettable loan to Oxford, returning to League One and his East London roots this season have been the making of Perkins.
With four goals and six assists for the Os in all competitions thus far, including one which sparked headlines in the FA Cup, it appears Perkins is finally starting to make good on his lofty potential.
Still just 20, Perkins is a player who could yet make his march up the leagues either with or without his current employers, but with his parent club aiming higher, that progression doesn’t like coming at Leeds.
In other Leeds news, Daniel Farke could axe one of his key men when the Whites host Norwich City in their next match.
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