Orta could repeat his Joffy masterclass in Leeds raid for 18y/o "getting rave reviews" - opinion

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta could repeat his Joe Gelhardt masterclass as the Yorkshire giants look to continue their investment in the club’s impressive academy set-up.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay earlier this week, the Whites are targeting a move for West Ham forward Sonny Perkins, who has been a standout for their development squad this season, earning a professional debut in the Europa League.

The 18-year-old was recently named April’s Premier League 2 ‘Player of the Month’ and he ended the 2021/22 campaign with back-to-back braces, taking his total to 14 goals and two assists for the Hammers’ youth sides.

Perkins is widely believed to be one of the hottest prospects coming through the system at the London Stadium, at least as per club insider ExWHUemployee.

“One thing to also pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins,” he revealed to his ‘The West Ham Way podcast. “This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.”

“From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

Given the success the Whites have had in recent times, improving their academy with additions like Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, it certainly makes sense for Orta and co to continue to make great strides for the long-term future.

Signed on the cheap from Wigan Athletic last summer, ‘Joffy’ has quickly emerged as a fan-favourite at Elland Road after he announced himself on the big stage with an assist from the bench against Wolves in just his second appearance before an eye-catching consolation goal