Leeds United suffer 'massive' loss for new transfer, clause agreed

Leeds United have accepted a "massive loss" on Sonny Perkins after his move to Leyton Orient, according to Sean Whetstone.

The journalist posted on his West Ham Football account on X (1 February), that having paid £2million to West Ham via tribunal in 2022, the Whites have sold Perkins at a fraction of that price.

A "substantial" sell-on clause is said to be included following his half-season loan spell, but that may never be realised in the future.

Leeds United finally sanction Sonny Perkins exit

Though he's spent nearly three years on the books in LS11, many a United fan could be forgiven for forgetting Perkins was still a Leeds player, having made the last of his four appearances 18 months ago.

One late cameo on the opening day of the 2023/24 season is as good as things have got for Perkins since Daniel Farke took charge at Elland Road, and his permanent exit looked all but inevitable.

Selling him for a nominal fee six months ahead of his contract expiring is a smart move on the Whites' part, bringing immediate funds into their kitty and avoiding a compensation tribunal in the process.

Furthermore, had Perkins run his contract down to the point of expiry this summer, United would have been powerless when it came to inserting clauses in his new contract, such as a sell-on fee.

Whetstone may doubt that any sell-on fee earned for Perkins in the future won't come close to the £2m Leeds paid for him back in 2022, but given his form for Orient this season, you can never say never.

In other Leeds news, Jim White revealed that he’s had “secret conversations” to back up his verdict on United’s promotion.

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