Liam Cooper is a free agent again after ending his CSKA Sofia spell a year early. The Leeds United icon had signed a two-year deal with the Bulgarian giants in 2024, but opted to leave in the summer.
Cooper, who has been spotted attending Leeds games this season, endured a few injury problems while with CSKA Sofia. They limited the Scotland international to just 27 appearances for them during 2024-25.
The 34-year-old is no stranger to injury, especially since Marcelo Bielsa’s reign as manager. Leeds fans will remember Cooper injuring himself scoring against Cardiff City in Daniel Farke’s first game as Leeds boss.
Now, Cooper is on the lookout for a new club and it looks as if he wants to remain in England this time, after a year away from his family. Indeed, a deal was in place with one of Leeds United’s biggest rivals.
Liam Cooper attends a Leeds game.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Liam Cooper was set for a move to Sheffield Wednesday
Wednesday are in desperate need of help. Financial difficulties have seen players not paid on time, and the likes of Josh Windass and others leave the club. Manager Henrik Pedersen is fighting a losing battle.
Of course, Sheffield Wednesday have earned a bit of respite in the Carabao Cup, largely thanks to Leeds. Leeds were stunned by The Owls, beaten on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time at Hillsborough.
Now, it appears Cooper was set to join Leeds’ rivals Wednesday. The Star says a deal was in place for Cooper to join Wednesday, but The EFL prevented a move for Cooper while the club is under embargo.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Why are Sheffield Wednesday under a transfer embargo?
Sheffield Wednesday’s owner, the notorious Dejphon Chansiri, is to blame. The club have been placed under a transfer embargo until Chansiri can prove he has the funds to run the club and pay players.
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Until then, Sheffield Wednesday cannot spend transfer fees to sign players. In the transfer window, they could sign players on loan or for free, but like Hull City, they are unable to sign players for a transfer fee.
It saw Darko Gyabi released before he joined Hull, to allow a move to happen. But outside the window, while clubs are under embargo, there is another rule that has prevented Cooper from joining Wednesday.
The EFL’s ruling is that clubs are unable to sign free agents if they currently boast 16 or more players with three or more senior appearances, while under embargo. Wednesday have 16, preventing Cooper’s move.