Sonny Perkins posts message to fans after West Ham United release
Teenage striker Sonny Perkins left West Ham United on 1 July after his contract expired at the London Stadium and no agreement could be reached.
The Irons offered a number of contracts to the 18-year-old but he and his agent refused to sign which has left the England youth international without a club for the time being.
In a club statement on 1 July, West Ham were said to be “disappointed with Perkins’ representatives” after he was released although they would still be owed compensation from whichever team he signs for next.
Perkins has now taken to Instagram to bid his farewell to the club he has played for since his Under-14 days but there is still no word on where he will end up next.
“My time as a West Ham United player has officially come to an end,” Perkins wrote. “This was not an easy decision, but one I am making in the best interest of my career.
“The last 4 years have been full of learning and growth, not only on the pitch but in life. I’d like to thank my coaches and staff that have helped my development. Thank you to my teammates, I feel lucky to have played with some top players and made some great friends.
“Thank you to The manager and his staff for giving me my professional debut. It was an honour to play in front of the West Ham fans. I wish the club and all the fans the best for the future.”
Big mistake
Deep down, Perkins might know that this move could jeopardise his career and he may come to regret it further down the line given the talent we have seen emerge from the Academy of Football.
His head has been swayed by a greedy agent looking to make himself the big bucks because anyone who had a genuine interest in what is best for the player would have made sure he remained at Rush Green for another couple of years.
He had shown great ability to score goals as a striker or from a deeper area in midfield that is almost unteachable and we have now lost the privilege to call upon such a player.
He may not have had first-team ambitions for the 2022-23 campaign but you never know when injuries may strike so he could have been close to David Moyes’ side.
He will now go and strengthen another Premier League side and it wouldn’t be at all a surprise to see him return to West Ham and score against us in some kind of critical way.