Leeds United Confirms Permanent Exit of Sonny Perkins to Leyton Orient
Leeds United has announced the permanent departure of Sonny Perkins, who joins Leyton Orient on a full-time basis. The 20-year-old winger had been on loan at Orient since the start of the 2024/25 campaign and has now made his switch to the Gaughan Group Stadium a permanent one.
Perkins, who joined Leeds from West Ham in 2022 on a free transfer, made four senior appearances for the Whites, scoring one goal in the process. His only outing under current manager Daniel Farke came via a late cameo against Cardiff City on the manager’s debut in August 2023.
The youngster’s departure comes as no surprise, given that his contract was set to expire this summer. With first-team opportunities limited at Elland Road, Perkins’ move to Orient provides him with a fresh start and the chance to establish himself as a regular starter.
Leeds United confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “Leeds United can confirm Sonny Perkins has signed for Sky Bet League One side Leyton Orient in a permanent deal. Perkins joined the Whites in 2022 and went on to play regularly in the Under-21s set-up. His goals helped the club to seal promotion back to Premier League 2 Division One, after winning in the play-off final.”
The statement continued: “The 20-year-old made his first team debut in the 2022/23 season and scored his first goal for the club in an Emirates FA Cup clash away at Cardiff City. With first team opportunities limited, Perkins joined Orient at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and has now made his switch to the Gaughan Group Stadium a permanent one. Everyone at Leeds United would like to wish Sonny well for his future career.”
Perkins becomes the fourth player to leave Leeds United this window, with three players exiting on loan earlier in January. Joe Gelhardt (loaned to Hull City), Charlie Crew (Doncaster Rovers), and Luca Thomas (Halifax Town) will all spend the rest of the season away from Elland Road.
The winger’s departure is likely to have a minimal impact on Leeds United’s first-team plans, given that he had struggled to break into the starting lineup. However, his move to Orient provides him with a fresh start and the opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter in League One.
As for Leeds United, the club’s focus will now shift to the remaining days of the January transfer window. With several players linked with moves to Elland Road, it remains to be seen whether the Whites will make any further additions to their squad before the window closes.
One thing is certain, however: Sonny Perkins’ departure marks the end of an era for the youngster at Leeds United. While his time at Elland Road may not have been as successful as he had hoped, his move to Orient provides him with a fresh start and the opportunity to kick-start his career.