Richie Wellens lauds Sonny Perkins after what Leeds United loanee did.
Richie Wellens has waxed lyrical about Sonny Perkins after the Leeds United loanee starred for Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
Starting on the right side of the attack, the 20-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist as Orient drew 2-2 with Boreham Wood before beating them on penalties in the first round of the FA Cup on Sunday (3 November).
The forward was replaced by Diallang Jaiyesimi in the 72nd minute but did more than enough to impress manager Wellens, who described his performance as “bright”.
“I thought he [Perkins] was bright, I thought he mixed it up. He went wide, he came in pockets”, Wellens said via YouTube.
“I thought some of our football in the first half was really, really good, their goalkeeper pulled off two or three great saves.
“So, I’m really pleased for Sonny, he’s kept chipping away and it was an opportunity for him today and he took it.”
Does Sonny Perkins have future at Leeds United?
Perkins has been on Leeds United’s books since joining them from West Ham in 2022, racking up four senior appearances for them in the process.
However, there are doubts about his long-term future at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke stacked with strikers.
Joel Piroe has been Farke’s preferred number nine in recent weeks, while Mateo Joseph, 21, has grabbed two goals and three assists in the Championship this term.
The Whites also have Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt, who are both waiting on the sidelines for more playing time.
Perkins could force his way back into Leeds United’s plans if he continues to impress for Leyton Orient, but at this point, it appears his future lies away from Elland Road.
It is worth noting that the left-footed frontman is in the final year of his contract with the Whites and it is hard to see him earning a new deal by the end of this spell.
Perkins is yet to start for the Os in League One and the opener against Boreham was his first goal for them.
In other Leeds United news, this Whites star is almost worshipped in his home country after going from “zero to hero”.
