Sonny Perkins

Sonny Tufail Perkins (born 10 February 2004) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Leyton Orient, on loan from club Leeds United.

West Ham United
In 2019, Perkins joined West Ham United from Leyton Orient at under-15 level. On 25 November 2021, Perkins was involved in a West Ham senior matchday squad for the first time, being named on the bench for a UEFA Europa League group game against Rapid Wien, coming on as a 78th minute substitute. In July 2022, Perkins rejected West Ham’s offer of a professional contract and left the club with immediate effect. He made three appearances for the club, one in the Premier League and two in the Europa League.

Leeds United
On 19 July 2022, he joined Leeds United signing a three-year contract. He made his debut for Leeds on 9 November 2022 in the starting line-up for the 1–0 EFL Cup third round defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Perkins scored his first professional goal against Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium in the FA Cup 3rd round tie on 8 January 2023 when he came on as a second-half substitute, scoring the equaliser in stoppage time to earn a 2–2 draw for Leeds, forcing a replay.

Oxford United loan
On 25 August 2023, Perkins joined League One team Oxford United on loan for the remainder of the 2023–24 season. He made his first Oxford appearance as a late substitute in a 1–2 home league defeat to Port Vale on 2 September and his full debut in an EFL Trophy home defeat to Milton Keynes Dons on 19 September. He scored once, in a 5–0 victory over Chelsea U21 in the EFL Trophy group stage on 7 November 2023. On 4 January 2024, Leeds recalled Perkins from his loan because of his limited playing time at Oxford.

Leyton Orient loan
In June 2024, Perkins signed on loan for Leyton Orient for the 2024–25 season.

International career
In July 2018, whilst still at Leyton Orient, Perkins was called up to England's under-15 side. In February 2020, Perkins scored a hat-trick for England U16 against the United States. On 18 October 2021, a month after his debut for the side, Perkins scored his first goal for England U18's in a 3–0 win against Russia.

On 21 September 2022, Perkins made his England U19 debut and scored during a 2–0 2023 U19 EURO qualifying win over Montenegro in Denmark.

Perkins is eligible to represent Pakistan as he is of Pakistani descent through his maternal grandfather.

Style of play
Perkins' captain at West Ham, Mark Noble, praised Perkins' hold-up play, as well as his versatility, saying "he started in the No10 role and he’s moved up to the centre-forward role for the U23s, and scored a lot of goals".

Personal life
Perkins' father, Declan, is a former Irish youth international footballer. His aunt is the actress Louise Lombard.

Individual

 * West Ham United Dylan Tombides Award: 2021–22