There is little news in terms of incomings at Leeds United at this early stage of the transfer window, but the club are working hard on getting players out of the door.
Jack Harrison left for another loan at Everton this week while talks over a permanent deal forMarc Roca to Real Betis is close to completion, with an announcement a possibility before the end of the week.
Diego Llorente could also depart, while Lew Bate has joined Stockport County. Jamie Shackleton looks as if he has rejected a new deal at Elland Road in favour of a move to Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.
Liam Cooper is also set to leave the club as things stand, with his deal ending on Sunday. On Thursday afternoon, Leeds announced the exit of another on loan to a side in the third tier of English football.
Sonny Perkins has endured a couple of dismal years at Leeds
Sonny Perkins has become a bit of an enigma at Elland Road. The young attacker joined Leeds in the summer of 2022 from West Ham having clocked up senior appearances for the Hammers prior to his exit.
Declan Rice once declared the 20-year-old’s “future is bright”. But it has turned out to be two very tricky years at Leeds, managing just four senior appearances in 24 months although he did score in the Cup.
Perkins has played 28 times for Leeds at U21 level and scored 13 goals, but relegation last summer looked as though it might benefit him. Instead, he went on loan to Oxford and played just six times.
Perkins explains easy decision to return to where it all started
On Thursday, Perkins agreed a season-long loan move to Richie Wellens’ Leyton Orient who finished in 11th place in last season’s League One. The club he left to join West Ham at the tender age of just 14.
He is now 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 ballboy, and I’m looking forward to getting out on the pitch. Having people who know me made the decision easier to come back.
“Speaking with Richie, and knowing where he sees the club and the team going, 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.”