Former Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is reportedly in negotiations with Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia over a potential free transfer.
According to Football Insider, the 33-year-old defender is a target for the 31-time Bulgarian champions, who have had a horror start to the season. They’ve lost five of their six opening matches, and are second from bottom in the early table. Despite once being a dominant force in Bulgaria, they haven’t won the title since 2008.
The former Chesterfield defender departed Elland Road at the end of June upon the expiration of his contract and has been exploring his options as a free agent. He spent a decade with Leeds United, making 284 appearances and playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2020. Throughout his career, he has amassed over 400 appearances, scoring 19 goals and contributing nine assists.
With the Bulgarian transfer window closing on 2 September, CSKA Sofia are now limited to signing unattached players to reinforce their squad. Cooper’s availability presents an opportunity for the club to bolster their defensive line, which has been a concern in the early stages of the season.
The Army, as they’re known in Bulgaria, had a challenging start in the First League, securing just one win in their opening six matches and conceding nine goals. The addition of Cooper, who brings extensive experience from both the Premier League and the Championship, could provide much-needed stability at the back.
A move to CSKA Sofia would mark Cooper’s first venture into football outside of England, offering a new chapter in his professional journey. Neither Cooper nor CSKA Sofia have officially commented on the potential deal at the time of writing.
Writer’s View
Cooper has had a long and successful career, becoming a Leeds stalwart after moving there in 2014 and leaving after a decade. He represented Scotland 19 times, and when he left Elland Road, it was felt perhaps he might head down the English league rather than move abroad.
A move to Sofia would be exciting in his career’s final stages, and he still has plenty to offer. He appeared 64 times in the Premier League across their three-season stay, and while his game time was limited last season, it underlines his ability to perform at a high level.
With respect, Bulgarian football isn’t quite to the standard of the Championship, so while it’s a step up in terms of level, it might be a way for him to remain at a good level, without drifting down the pecking order at a club. This could be a great move for the defender, who would certainly have plenty to do at the Vasil Levski National Stadium.
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