‘Really special’… Leeds United player delighted to leave club on loan after two tough years

Diego Llorente could also leave, while Lew Bate has joined Stockport County. Jamie Shackleton appears to have rejected a new deal at Elland Road in favor of Chris Wilder’s move to Sheffield United.

Liam Cooper is also set to leave the club as things stand, his deal ending on Sunday. On Thursday afternoon, Leeds announced the exit of another loanee to a team in the third tier of English football.

Sonny Perkins endured a dismal few years at Leeds

Sonny Perkins has become a bit of an enigma at Elland Road. The young striker joined Leeds in the summer of 2022 from West Ham after making senior appearances for the Hammers before his exit.

Declan Rice once said the 20-year-old’s “future is bright”. But it proved to be a very difficult two years at Leeds, managing just four senior appearances in 24 months, although he did score in the Cup.

Perkins played 28 times for Leeds at U21 level and scored 13 goals, but last summer’s relegation looked like it might benefit him. Instead, he was loaned out to Oxford and played just six times.

Perkins explains the easy decision to return to where it all began

On Thursday, Perkins agreed a season-long loan move to Leyton Orient from Richie Wellens, who finished 11th in League One last season. The club he left to join West Ham at the tender age of just 14.

Now he’s back and hoping he can help his boyhood club push for the play-offs. The deal was announced on Thursday and he told Leyton Orient’s website that returning to a club he knows made it “easier”.

“It’s really special to be back. I’ve been here so many times in the stands and as a boy, and I can’t wait to get on the pitch. Having people who know me, the decision to come back.

“To speak to Richie and know where he sees the club and the team going, it’s really encouraging. I want to help the club progress as much as possible. I would like to bring energy and hope to the club.”

Similar topics