Former Leeds United favourite set for shock move to Yorkshire rivals

Former Leeds United favourite Liam Cooper looks set to finally find a new club.

Cooper made 284 appearances for the Whites across all competitions between 2014 and 2024 - including 66 in the Premier League - wearing the captain’s armband for the majority of his Elland Road stay and leading Leeds to a Championship title in 2020.

The Scotland international finally left United at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024, going on to join Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, where he made 27 appearances before once again becoming a free agent this summer.

Liam Cooper closing in on Sheffield Wednesday move

According to a report from BBC journalist Andy Giddings, Cooper is ‘expected’ to be the first of many arrivals at Sheffield Wednesday early next week.

The Owls have suffered a period of serious instability under owner Dejphon Chansiri, before recently going into administration and suffering a 12-point deduction - which has left them bottom of the Championship on -4 points.

However, the EFL has now granted Wednesday permission to add to their thin squad, with a host of free agents being targeted - such signings are allowed outside of transfer windows.

Cooper looks set to be wearing the blue and white of Sheffield Wednesday imminently, meaning he’ll be signed in time to face arch-rivals Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby at Hillsborough on Saturday, 23rd November, when the Championship returns from the international break.

What did Liam Cooper say when he left Leeds United?

Given how long he spent at Elland Road, it was no surprise to see Cooper pen an open letter to supporters when he left Leeds United.

Within the letter, he thanked former manager Marcelo Bielsa, among a host of other staff members and teammates, as well as the ‘lunatics’ that make up the Leeds United fanbase.

He added: “I leave the Club proud of what we achieved together, I was never perfect, but throughout my time, I tried to represent you and the club with dignity and modesty at all times. I've met some truly inspiring individuals in the community over the last 10 years from all walks of life. I appreciate each and every one of you, for making me a better person and proving far and wide that some things are more important than football.

“As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I will look back and be very proud but also hungry for more. Stay loud and stay proud. I'll see you in the terraces.”

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