England youth international Sonny Perkins has signed a three-year contract at Leeds United as their seventh signing of the summer. The 18-year-old rejected West Ham United’s offer of a professional contract and left at the conclusion of his scholarship this summer.
The Hammers are entitled to compensation because of the money they invested in Perkins’s development, but the Whites have not specified whether an agreement has been reached or whether the matter will go to a tribunal. The London club did not hide their dissatisfaction at the start of this month.
A statement said: “West Ham United invests millions of pounds annually into its world-renowned Academy of Football and naturally the club is extremely disappointed Sonny has chosen not to continue his development with the Hammers.
READ MORE: Leeds United complete transfer with Championship side for double swoop on academy products
“The club is disappointed with Perkins's representatives and strongly believes he was approached to sign for another club which led to him asking to be released from his scholarship at West Ham United.
“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.”
Leeds have confirmed Perkins, who has played 14 times for England’s under-15, under-16 and under-18 teams, will initially link up with the under-21s at Thorp Arch.
READ MORE:
Liam Cooper clear on where his Leeds United future lies as he looks at final years of his career
Adams-Aaronson link may offer a Leeds United line-up clue for Wolves opener
Leeds United are finally seeing Jesse Marsch get what he has been desperate for
Leeds United's Jean-Kevin Augustin dispute with RB Leipzig raised summer transfer doubts
Patrick Bamford's importance and Jesse Marsch's likely Leeds United starting XI
