Cooper’s situation remains at a cliffhanger following his contract expiration this year. Both Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton were in a similar situation this summer but the latter has already decided on his future.
Leeds United made a verbal offer to both the defenders but never followed it with a formal one. Jamie waited his share and then decided to switch sides with fellow Championship club Sheffield United.
Liam stays nowhere in the situation as he probably awaits an offer from The Whites. Recent comments from Daniel Farke after the win against Valencia might suggest that the 32-year-old’s time might be over at Elland Road.
“Because Ethan is the new club captain, he has big footsteps to fill after Liam, who has been unbelievable for this club, what he did in a decade was outstanding.”
“He led this club into the Premier League and has made sure that they had also one really good year there. He was a fantastic person and player for this club.”
“When you’re so young in age and just one year at the club, you have to try fulfil these big footsteps, it’s never easy, but it was our choice with Ethan, Pascal and Illan, it’s a young leadership group but it’s what we’re all about.”
-Daniel Farke
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Liam Cooper and Leeds United’s future
Credits: Imago Images
Daniel Farke’s comments regarding the Scottish defender are pretty much talking about the past. This might signify his decision to keep Cooper behind and start with new young players.
The current leadership is all players under the age of 25. Ethan Ampadu (23), Pascal Struijk (24) and Illan Meslier (24) are all young and upcoming players.
This change defines what Leeds and Farke want their new club to be like. The Whites would like to have a young squad who are still developing and can be with them through this journey to the Premier League.
The West Yorkshire club would want them to develop into players who can compete in the Prem making them a permanent stay. As for Liam Cooper, he doesn’t fit the bill for such a role.
What Leeds will do with the defender is uncertain for now but even if he stays he’ll take on more of a mentorship role guiding the young players.
The Scottish defender won’t even be among the starters as United is moving into a new era with fresh plans. If he doesn’t stay then his home Scotland is probably ready to have him with clubs like Rangers and Celtic who’ll be glad to get their hands on a top-class defender.
