Sonny Perkins needs first-team football in order to continue his rapid development as a footballer. The Leeds United forward made that much clear last season with his eye-catching performances for the club’s Under-21s as the Whites won Premier League 2 Division 2 promotion.
Perkins managed to bag himself 13 goals at youth level in what was his first season with the club, following his switch from West Ham United last summer. A chunk of those came in the opening few months of the campaign, too, as the 19-year-old announced himself to United fans by bagging eight in his first seven games.
His goals in the youth team saw him make three senior appearances for the Whites and while he is still waiting for his first league run out, he does have a first-team goal to his name, notching a late equaliser in the FA Cup third round at Cardiff City. He’s one supporters will be keeping an eye on this season, then, eager to see how the England U19 international progresses into the senior ranks.
Read more: How much longer 49ers Enterprises could have to wait for Leeds United takeover EFL approval
However, it seems they might have to follow his development from afar with reports on Tuesday suggesting a loan might be on the cards for him. According to Teamtalk, Leeds are prepared to allow the forward to leave on a season-long loan, with six Championship clubs keen to see him bolster their attacking ranks.
Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City are three clubs credited with interest. Given their impressive finishes in last season’s Championship table, both Sunderland and Blackburn can be considered direct rivals and strengthening them might not be seen as a smart move.
But, Leeds surely only stand to benefit in the long run from loaning Perkins out to thr right Championship club, where he can prosper, thrive and take the necessary next steps in his career. As it stands, his path to the Whites starting XI looks extremely crowded.
Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Georginio Rutter all feature ahead of him in the pecking order and it would not be a surprise to see Leeds’ new owners, 49ers Enterprises, looking to make a statement this summer with a marquee addition or two in attacking areas.
It’s a fair assumption to make that Perkins is behind his U21s skipper Mateo Joseph in the running for game time at Elland Road, too, with Joseph getting Premier League minutes and outscoring him last time around. A loan for Perkins looks a smart move, then, in order to provide him the chances he craves at this pivotal point in his career.
The Whites have found success by utilising the loan market in the past. Just last season they saw the likes of Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh and Leo Hjelde excel while away from West Yorkshire in the Championship and, armed with such vital experience and know how, all three players can now expect to be a part of the senior fold this season.
Perkins is a step behind the above trio in his career path, but he’ll be looking to emulate their success on the road should a loan move materialise for him.
