West Ham release furious statement as hot prospect rejects contract and leaves club

Teenage prospect Sonny Perkins has left West Ham and the club has released a furious statement about the situation, pointing the finger at another club for luring him away.

The 18-year-old was one of the brightest young talents at West Ham and made three first team appearances last season and scored 12 goals at Under-23 level.

The Hammers offered him a new deal but he rejected it and has moved on, although his new club is yet to be announced.

The east London club are not impressed at all and made their feelings clear in an official communication on Friday.

The full club statement read: ‘West Ham United can confirm 18-year-old Sonny Perkins has left the Club.

‘Perkins, who joined the West Ham United Academy at Under-14 level, rejected the Club’s offers of a professional contract.

‘The Club is now entitled to receive compensation from any club Perkins decides to join.

‘West Ham United invests millions of pounds annually into its world-renowned Academy of Football – and naturally the Club is extremely disappointed that Sonny has chosen not to continue his development with the Hammers.

‘The Club is disappointed with Perkins’ representatives and strongly believe 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.

‘The Club will be making no further comment.’

Last month the Guardian reported that Tottenham, Leeds and Aston Villa were all interested in snapping up the young forward if he failed to agree a new deal at West Ham.

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