Leeds United forward Sonny Perkins joins Oxford United

The 19-year-old forward has completed his first senior loan move after scoring 13 goals for Leed’s U19s last season as well as getting his first senior goal in an FA Cup tie against Cardiff.

An England international at all age groups from Under 15 to 19, Perkins joined West Ham from Leyton Orient when he was 14 and made three senior appearances for the Hammers before joining Leeds in the summer of 2022.

He made four first-team appearances during his time at Elland Road with it now being widely-regarded he has outgrown junior football at club level.

Speaking to Oxford United, Perkins said: “As soon as the move was mentioned I did some homework, and the way Oxford set up and want to play is really appealing.

“They have started the season strongly, the manager is really impressive and I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s been a crazy 24 hours. I have been in conversation with the club for a couple of weeks. I spoke to the manager and that was a big part of me coming here.

“I am excited to be here to play regular league football and learn what it takes to be a regular at this level.”

Perkins has already featured for Leeds this season, coming off the bench on the opening day of the Championship in a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City.

The forward has not featured since and following the acquisition of Joel Piroe, the teenager would likely have been restricted to U21 appearances once again, if he remained at Elland Road.

Following his loan move, he will be available for selection straight away starting with tomorrow’s home game against Charlton.

Liam Manning said: “He is a very exciting talent, with the ability to play as a striker or across any of the front positions.

“He is clever with the ball and has scored goals at every level. It has been another very positive week with Greg Leigh and now Sonny joining us.”

Oxford also hosted Leeds youngster Lewis Bate at the Kassam Stadium last season.

Perkins admitted he spoke to Bate who “recommended everything highly” saying the club has a “great group and great people”.

Head of recruitment, Ed Waldron, added: “Sonny has already played for West Ham and Leeds at senior level and was one of the outstanding talents in PL2 last season.

“He is versatile, and wherever he plays along the front line has an excellent scoring record.

"We have a very good relationship with Leeds and they know, from Lewis Bate being here last season, that we look after young players and can help their development.”

Perkins made his senior debut in November 2021 when he was involved in a UEFA Europa League coming on as a second-half substitute for the Hammers against Rapid Wien.

He went on to make his Premier League debut for West Ham against Leeds in January 2022.

After the game his captain at the time, Mark Noble, praised Perkins' hold-up play, as well as his versatility, saying "he started in the No10 role and he’s moved up to the centre-forward role for the U23s, and scored a lot of goals".