West Ham academy graduate Sonny Perkins, who is now contracted to Leeds United, has returned to East London joining Leyton Orient on a season long loan deal from the Championship side.

The 20 year old forward left West Ham in search of more first team opportunities and would go on to sign for Leeds United in the summer of 2022.

At West Ham, Perkins would make his first team debut a little over three years ago, coming off the bench in the Hammers Europa League tie against Rapid Wien. He would also go on to make his Premier League debut at just 17 years old, coming off the bench for the last few minutes of the match against his future employers Leeds United.

Since joining Leeds two years ago, Perkins has struggled to break through and has only made four appearances for the Championship side. Perkins spent last season on loan with Oxford United making six appearances, however the loan move did not see the young forward get the game time he desired and needed.

At youth level for West Ham’s U18 and U21 sides as well as for Leeds U21’s, Perkins has an impressive number of goal contributions, however at first team level, opportunities have been hard to come by for the forward and his professional experience is still very limited.

The loan move to Leyton Orient, who are currently in League One, provides Perkins with a great opportunity to get some regular game time under his belt and prove his ability at a good level. Speaking after his move to Orient for the season was confirmed, Perkins said: “I want to help the club push forward as much as possible. I’d love to bring energy and hope to help the club and see us push for as good of a season as we can do,” as was reported on Claret & Hugh.

Orient head coach Richie Wellens was delighted with the signing of Perkins, discussing the 20 year old’s arrival Wellens said: “He’s a versatile player who can play as a centre forward or in the ten role. He’s scored an impressive number of goals for both Leeds and West Ham’s U21 sides, and we believe he is ready to make that step up to senior football now.”