---
title: "Leeds United: Whites set to sign Sonny Perkins"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-sonny-perkins-archie-gray-transfer-gossip-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2022-07-18T08:20:40Z"
modified: "2022-07-18T08:20:40Z"
---

# Leeds United: Whites set to sign Sonny Perkins

**[Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) are set to sign teenage free agent striker Sonny Perkins, according to a report from the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11023075/Leeds-set-sign-18-year-old-striker-Sonny-Perkins-just-two-weeks-West-Ham-exit.html).**

### The lowdown: Slow-moving deal

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old for some time now, with reputable transfer reporter [Fabrizio Romano](https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1534913565383180289?s=21&t=EIWhj4S342Xx3ojoj8SYCw) initially reporting that the parties had ‘opened talks’ at the start of June.

However, the England youth international – who has come through the [youth system](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sonny-perkins/transfers/spieler/670877) at West Ham – remains a free agent after the expiry of his deal at the London Stadium after [rejecting](https://metro.co.uk/2022/07/01/west-ham-release-furious-statement-as-prospect-rejects-contract-and-leaves-club-16929134/) a professional contract offer.

A fresh report has now emerged claiming that Leeds are finally about to make Perkins the latest addition at Elland Road…

### The latest: Leeds ‘on the brink’ of Perkins swoop

As per the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11023075/Leeds-set-sign-18-year-old-striker-Sonny-Perkins-just-two-weeks-West-Ham-exit.html), Leeds are believed to be ‘on the brink’ of signing the England under-18 starlet.

It’s claimed that the Yorkshire club ‘are signing’ Perkins – who was hailed by Carlton Cole for his [‘outstanding’](https://twitter.com/CarltonCole1/status/1463980026613964805) form for the Hammers’ under-23 side, for whom he scored [10 times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sonny-perkins/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/670877) in 22 outings – despite interest from the Whites’ [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham.

The report also stated that 16-year-old Leeds youngster Archie Gray will have his ‘ankle assessed’ following a tackle from Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the 1-0 pre-season defeat over the weekend.

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### The verdict: Bright future

Already boasting the [youthful attacking talents](https://www.leedsunited.com/teams/first-team) of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Gray himself, should Perkins indeed join as expected, the Whites are certainly developing a strong nucleus of exciting forwards for the immediate and long-term future.

While the ex-West Ham starlet has only made [three senior appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sonny-perkins/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/670877) to date, Jesse Marsch has already shown a [willingness to create a clear pathway](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/jesse-marsch-makes-bold-archie-gray-pledge-following-leeds-united-youngsters-debut-3760816) through to first-team football at Elland Road for prodigious youngsters, a factor which may have helped Victor Orta in luring the Londoner to Yorkshire ahead of other clubs.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”398317″\]

[Capable](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sonny-perkins/leistungsdaten/spieler/670877) of playing as a recognised centre-forward, on either wing and in deeper midfield roles, Perkins brings additional versatility and an ability to act as an immediate understudy to Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo to the Leeds ranks, and his imminent signing could prove to be a masterstroke from Orta and co over time.