Leeds United forward on 'special' transfer as new boss declares him ready for senior step up — YEP 27/6/24

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By Graham Smyth

Leeds United striker Sonny Perkins is 'ready' to make the step up to senior football according to new boss Richie Wellens, after returning to his first footballing home.

Perkins began life in Leyton Orient's academy system before a move to West Ham United in 2019. He's back with the O's on a season-long loan from Leeds, having struggled to make a breakthrough at Elland Road since his 2022 arrival.

Last season's temporary move to Oxford United failed to bring the match minutes Perkins needed and he was not considered part of Daniel Farke's plans. But this summer, as he enters the final year of his contract, he's made what he calls a 'special' move to League One Orient to kickstart his fledgling career.

"It's really special to be back," he said. "I've been here so many times in the stands and as a ballboy, and I'm looking forward to getting out on the pitch in front of the fans for the first time. I've spoke a lot to Lingy [Martin Ling, Orient director of football] and we laughed about how he sold me as a 14-year-old. Having people who have known me for a long time made the decision easier to come back here. After speaking with Richie, and knowing where he sees the club and the team going, along with how well they played the last couple of years, it's really encouraging. I want to help the club push forward as much as possible. I'd love to bring energy and hope to the club and see us push for as good of a season as we can do."

Wellens believes Perkins can offer something in two different roles for the O's as they look to consolidate their League One status and begin to look upwards towards the Championship. He said: "Sonny has a superb amount of natural ability, and we're really pleased to see him join us here at Leyton Orient. He is highly-rated by Leeds, and we're excited to see what he can do for us going forwards.

"He's a really versatile player, who can play as a centre forward or in the ten role. He's scored a really impressive amount of goals for both Leeds and West Ham's U21 sides, and we believe that he is ready to make that step up to senior football now."

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