Manager explains why Leeds star’s loan deal has been cancelled

Sonny Perkins returned to Leeds United this week after the Whites confirmed his loan deal had been cancelled at Oxford United after a lack of game time – and Oxford’s manager has commented.

Perkins, 19, joined Leeds in the summer of 2022 from West Ham and there was plenty of hype about the England U19 man – after an impressive 2022-23. Four senior outings, and a senior goal for the club.

He also netted 13 goals in 24 games for Leeds’ U21 side. So, while relegation was desperately sad, for the likes of Perkins, it might have helped. In the summer, he was expected to have a big Leeds impact.

But, he was sent on loan to League One side Oxford – again, struggling. Just six senior games, one goal. So much so that his loan has now been cancelled at Oxford, and he returns to Daniel Farke’s Leeds.

It is absolutely the right decision for Perkins, even if he has now played for two clubs this season and cannot join a third. Oxford boss Des Buckingham explains the decision for Perkins to go back to Leeds.

“He’s trained extremely well and been very good. That’s important to stress. Very difficult for him to get game time, and I spoke with him about that. It’s important for his development that he gets games.

“It’s a timing thing. I can’t speak for what was before, but it wasn’t the right thing to do, to throw him in. It’s better for his development to go back and get games, whether that’s at Leeds or somewhere else.”

Oxford manager comments as Sonny Perkins returns to Leeds

What will be interesting, is whether Perkins gets any game time at Leeds – with this Sunday’s clash against Peterborough United perhaps presenting Perkins with the best chance of a Leeds appearance.

Ben Parker reacted to his return by saying he is far too good for U21 level, but hopes that his spell at Oxford has not scarred his confidence. He will be some way down the pecking order at Elland Road.

Willy Gnonto, Cree Summerville, Ian Poveda, Jaidon Anthony and Dan James are our first-choice wingers and Perkins will be behind those. Chances are, he stays with the 21’s for the rest of 23-24.