It’s OFFICIAL! Sonny Perkins joins Leeds United on a 3-year-long deal from West Ham United. This move saw the young centre-forward become the Peacock’s seventh signing of this summer window.
English midfielder Sonny Perkins has just signed contract and completed medical tests as new Leeds United player, done deal. ⚪️🏴 #LUFC
Perkins leaves West Ham and joins Leeds, the agreement is completed and will be announced very soon. pic.twitter.com/17vRfsVFoF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2022
The left-footed English forward is the newest member to be a part of the “Leeds United resurgence” under Jesse Marsch. First reported by the ever-reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and now confirmed by the Club’s official site, the 18-year-old’s signing could prove to be a real comfort for the American Gaffer.
Not only does Sonny provide an extra pair of legs to cover for the injury-prone talisman in Patrick Bamford he also has the awareness akin to any mature player. At a very young age, his talent was scouted by the West Ham scouts. In 2019, the Hammers’ youth team finally signed the London boy from Leyton Orient- and the youngster was just 15 back then!
During his time at the East London Club, Perkins was able to churn out a total of 56 appearances including 3 first-team appearances. He scored 19 goals and provided another 5 assists for the Hammers while progressing through the different age groups. The youngster had a major success last season around when he appeared in a total of 20 Premier League 2 games for the U23s- scoring 10 goals. Apart from this, he also featured in 4 games while playing for the U-18 side, scoring another 4 goals.
However, the highlight of last season was the moment when he got his much desired first team debut appearance for David Moyes’ West Ham in the Europa League game against Rapid Vienna- and then against Dinamo Zagreb- as the Hammers went all the way to the semi-final of the competition. The Cherry on the cake was the Premier League Debut at 17 years of age. David Moyes called upon Sonny Perkins to play his part in the match against Leeds United (his new team) that took place inside the London Stadium in January 2022. Leeds won that game, 3 goals to 2.
What can he bring to Elland Road?
Sonny Perkins maintained his mental and physical shape, whilst progressing through different age groups both at the club level and Internationally. He has 14 international caps, across all age groups, to show for the same.
The most underlining part of his repertoire of skills is his ability to play as a left winger, as well, at times even though he is a left-footed forward. While we get to see this a lot in the modern era of the game, still it is not that comforting to adapt to. Imagine being a right-footed player (for instance) playing on the right wing, then every time you’d have to cut in and curl a shot past the keeper it would have to be with your weaker foot!
But, it seems as if Perkins has adapted to the whole variation quite well so… At just 18, we can see him running full throttle down the opposition’s defence, taking on defenders with those crazy body feints, and even see him catching those long-range shots perfectly enough to make them look like bangers. Adding to this, the London boy can even take sweet free kicks with whip and amazing tekkers.
Author’s Take
With the attitude, hard work, passion and willingness – Perkins can do really well under Jesse Marsch’s guidance. Although the youngster will be working with the U23 side for the forthcoming season, it is just a matter of time before he breaks into that Leeds United side.
Moreover, who has ever questioned a signing for the long-term- unless they have done really bad. As for the 18-year-old Londoner, he sees it as an opportunity to break into the Peacock’s starting XI due to the several problems they have been facing in the past seasons. A starlet as such Sonny Perkins could really bring the attack to life, given he gets enough opportunities to show his skills on the pitch.
