Wonderkid Sonny Perkins, 18, completes Leeds free transfer following bitter split from West Ham
Sponsored by
LEEDS have completed the signing of 18-year-old wonderkid Sonny Perkins.
The attacker, who left West Ham when his contract expired at the end of June, has signed a three-year deal with the Whites.
He will join up with the club's Under-21s to prepare for the upcoming season.
Perkins spent most of his youth career with Leyton Orient before joining West Ham in 2019.
He made his first team debut for the Hammers last year during a Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna.
He then went on to make his Premier League debut against Leeds in January.
Read More in Football
West Ham had initially hoped that he would remain in East London, but Perkins decided against signing a professional deal with the club.
This sparked a furious reaction, with the Hammers accusing Perkins' representatives of breaking the rules regarding approaches from other clubs.
A statement from West Ham read: "West Ham United invests millions of pounds annually into its world-renowned Academy of Football.
"Naturally the club is extremely disappointed that Sonny has chosen not to continue his development with the Hammers.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
"The club is disappointed with Perkins' representatives and strongly believe he was approached to sign for another club which led to him asking to be released from his scholarship.
"West Ham United take this matter very seriously – we believe the rules and structures in place at the Football Association and Premier League should be upheld at all times."
Perkins scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for West Ham U21s last season.
His consistent performances earned him his first call-up to England's U18s squad in September.