Striker Sonny Perkins has chosen Leeds United after his bitter West Ham United departure but compo will now be due to the Hammers.
Reports recently claimed talented young Hammers Academy graduate striker Perkins was set for a move to either Aston Villa or Leeds.
There was even said to be interest from West Ham’s bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Perkins rose to prominence with regular inclusion in the West Ham first team squad last season despite being just 17 at the time.
That clearly caught the attention of Villa boss Steven Gerrard and new Leeds manager Jesse Marsch.
Originally a midfielder, Perkins was switched to the striker role and shone for club and country, going on to establish himself as the number one forward for West Ham Under 23s and England Under 18s.
The Guardian and The Athletic have been reporting for some time that West Ham could lose the England youth international with Aston Villa and Leeds vying for his signature this summer.
The news came as something of a shock to West Ham fans and had supporters of Villa and Leeds scrambling Google for information on the youngster.
Sure enough West Ham announced Perkins had decided to leave the club in an angry statement last month where they criticised his agents.
West Ham fans have not taken kindly to seeing one of their young players turn their back on the club.
The player himself has had his say on the decision to leave West Ham this week.
It was a damning indictment of how he saw the pathway to the Hammers first team.
Now striker Perkins has chosen Leeds after his bitter West Ham departure but compo will be due.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Perkins has chosen Leeds, although the Italian incorrectly refers to the former Hammer as a midfielder – his old position.
“English midfielder Sonny Perkins has just signed contract and completed medical tests as new Leeds United player, done deal,” Romano said on Twitter.
“Perkins leaves West Ham and joins Leeds, the agreement is completed and will be announced very soon.”
West Ham now intend to get the compensation they will be due as the club confirmed following Perkins departure.
“The club is now entitled to receive compensation from any club Perkins decides to join,” West Ham said in a clear warning to Leeds.
“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.”