It has been almost 18 months since Liam Cooper left Leeds United after a decade at Elland Road. After a year in Bulgaria, the defender remains a free agent, but that could be about to change.
Now 34, Cooper left Leeds after a huge 284 appearances for the club, having signed for Leeds in Massimo Cellino’s first summer in 2014. Cooper would go on to captain Leeds to promotion under Marcelo Bielsa.
After a season in the Championship with Daniel Farke, Cooper came to the end of his contract, and after interest from Championship clubs, Cooper made the surprise decision to go to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.
An injury hit-spell in Bulgaria only lasted one season, despite penning a two-year contract and Cooper left in July. Since then, Cooper has remained a free agent, but Championship interest in Cooper is still alive.
Liam Cooper playing for Leeds United.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Sheffield Wednesday hopeful of signing Leeds hero Liam Cooper
After a points deduction and a financial collapse that’s plunged Sheffield Wednesday into administration, The Owls are working with The EFL in order to allow the club to bring in a couple of free agent signings.
One option is Cooper. Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with Cooper since the summer, but with the Scotland international still without a club, The Star says Cooper is still a ‘prime candidate’ for Wednesday.
Liam Cooper playing for Leeds United.
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
There is hope that Wednesday can come to an agreement with The EFL to allow them to sign players this month, and then Cooper can join. Administrator Kris Wigfield spoke to BBC Radio Sheffield recently.
“There’s a possibility. We are looking to give the manager as much help as we possibly can. We’ve had conversations with the EFL and there are some hurdles to get through with FIFA and with the EFL.
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“We’re hopeful we can do that and if we could just bring in one or two free agents to help the manager. No promises at this stage, but we’re hopeful we can get one or two in for after the international break.”
Why Sheffield Wednesday can’t sign Leeds hero Liam Cooper…
In September, Sheffield Wednesday attempted to sign Cooper. But, The EFL prevented the deal because the club are currently in administration and therefore, automatically placed under a transfer embargo.
In a transfer window, it means Wednesday can sign players on a free transfer, or on loan. Outside of the window, they can’t do that. Hull are in the same position. Darko Gyabi had to be released to join Hull.
Sheffield Wednesday, after a points deduction, are attempting to get that ruling changed and hope they can then go and bring in a free agent or two. Cooper is likely to be a possible signing in due course.