Former Leeds United defender Liam Cooper might be on his way back to the Championship, with Sheffield Wednesday showing interest in signing the experienced centre-back.
The Sheffield Wednesday news comes after the club went into football administration last month, leaving fans wondering what comes next for the crisis-hit side.
Wednesday entered administration on October 24, which saw them hit with an instant 12-point deduction. The punishment dropped them even deeper into trouble, making survival in the Championship look harder than ever.
The club’s financial mess also led to several transfer embargos, meaning they can’t sign any new players, not even free agents.
However, things could soon change. Reports claim that the EFL might lift the embargo soon, giving Wednesday a chance to add new faces to the squad.
And right at the top of their wish list is none other than Liam Cooper, who captained Leeds United for nearly ten years.
A familiar name for Leeds fans
Cooper is well known among Leeds United supporters. The Scottish defender joined Leeds from Chesterfield back in 2014 and went on to make 284 appearances for the club.
He was a key leader under Marcelo Bielsa, guiding Leeds to promotion and helping them return to the Premier League after a 16-year wait.
During his time at Elland Road, Cooper became a fan favourite for his passion and loyalty. But after Leeds were relegated in 2023, and with Daniel Farke taking charge, Cooper found himself out of favour.
He left Leeds United in 2024 after his contract ended and spent a short spell at CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria before becoming a free agent.
Now, with Sheffield Wednesday struggling both on and off the pitch, Cooper could be the man to bring some experience and leadership back to the dressing room.
Wednesday is desperate for leadership
The Owls’ situation is tough. Following the administration, the club sits at -6 points in the Championship table, with relegation to League One looking very likely.
Fans had grown frustrated with owner Dejphon Chansiri, whose time in charge has been filled with controversy and poor management decisions.
Rex Features
After the club officially entered football administration, there was some hope among fans that change was finally coming.
Many supporters who had boycotted matches earlier in the season have now returned to Hillsborough to back the team during this difficult time.
According to joint-administrator Kris Wigfield, Wednesday has already spoken with the EFL and FIFA about lifting their restrictions.
“We’re trying to give the manager as much help as possible,” he said. “There are hurdles to get through, but we’re hopeful we can bring one or two players in after the international break.”
If that happens, Cooper is expected to be one of the first names approached. His experience in both the Premier League and Championship could prove vital in keeping Wednesday competitive.
Could Cooper play in League One again?
There’s also talk that Wednesday could offer Cooper a longer deal, even if they get relegated. That means the former Leeds man could find himself playing League One football next season.
It wouldn’t be the first time, earlier in his career, Cooper played in the third tier with Carlisle United, Huddersfield Town, and Chesterfield before his big move to Leeds.
Even if the move goes through, it will be a big step for the 34-year-old, who would be returning to English football after a brief spell abroad.
For Leeds United fans, it will be strange seeing their old captain line up in a Sheffield Wednesday game. But in football, things change quickly.
While Leeds focus on their next Leeds United game today, Wednesday, they are just trying to survive.
Both Yorkshire clubs are going through very different journeys, Leeds are fighting to climb the table, while Wednesday are battling to stay alive after their football administration crisis.
If the embargo is lifted and Cooper does sign, it could mark the start of a small comeback for Wednesday.
And for Cooper, it might be one last chance to show his quality in the Championship or maybe even help lead Wednesday back toward the Premier League one day.
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