Bolton Wanderers made an ambitious attempt last month to secure the services of seasoned centre-back Liam Cooper, following his departure from Leeds United.
According to a report by The Bolton News, the League One side tried to persuade the 33-year-old to join their ranks after his contract with Leeds expired in June, but their efforts ultimately came up short. Instead, Cooper opted for a move to Bulgarian top-tier side CSKA Sofia, where he hopes to revive his European football career.
Cooper, who spent a decade at Leeds United and became a pivotal figure during their Premier League return, was a high-profile free agent after leaving the club. Bolton Wanderers had aimed to bolster their defence by bringing him to the Toughsheet Community Stadium, but despite their best efforts, Cooper chose to take his talents abroad, signing with the 31-time Bulgarian champions.
For Bolton, the acquisition of Cooper would have provided significant depth to their defensive lineup. With over 280 appearances and 11 goals during his time at Leeds, Cooper’s vast experience in English football—ranging from Hull City to Chesterfield—would have been an invaluable asset for Wanderers in their promotion push from League One. Bolton’s manager Ian Evatt had left one spot open in the squad and pursued Cooper as the primary target. However, with the deal falling through, the club will now look towards the January transfer window for alternative reinforcements.
CSKA Sofia’s Liam Cooper announcement video is interesting, to say the least. #lufc pic.twitter.com/RhDyyVuDCm
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) September 12, 2024
Evatt, reflecting on the missed opportunity, admitted that the club was reluctant to rush any further decisions regarding their final squad spot. “We lost out on the one we wanted to do,” Evatt said, referring to Cooper, “and now, we’re just monitoring things. Maybe keeping a bit of powder dry for January is the way forward.” The Bolton manager has also been exploring other options in the free-agent market, but with Cooper out of reach, the focus has now shifted to what the winter window may bring.
Despite the disappointment, Wanderers remain in a strong position heading into the new year. Evatt also has a decision to make about Luke Matheson, a talented 22-year-old wing-back who has struggled to secure consistent playing time. Matheson, who spent part of this year on loan with Irish club Bohemians, was expected to go out on another loan, but as of now, Bolton has not found the right club for him.
Speaking on Matheson’s situation, Evatt expressed surprise that more clubs haven’t shown interest in the young player. “I’m absolutely baffled that clubs are not snapping my hand off to take him,” he said. “He’s a really good young player with a fantastic attitude. He can add a lot to a lot of teams.” However, Evatt remains optimistic that Matheson will eventually find a suitable loan opportunity where he can gain more playing experience and return to challenge for a place in Bolton’s first team.
Elsewhere, Bolton’s international players experienced a frustrating international break. Northern Ireland duo Eoin Toal and Dion Charles were unable to help their side secure a victory in a goalless draw against Belarus in the Nations League. Meanwhile, Luke Southwood, Bolton’s goalkeeper, watched from the bench, and other Bolton players involved in international fixtures—Szabi Schon for Hungary and Josh Sheehan for Wales—also saw limited action in their respective matches.
As Bolton moves past the disappointment of missing out on Cooper, the club’s attention now turns towards consolidating their current squad and planning for potential signings in the January window. With several players looking to find form and others awaiting new opportunities, Bolton’s next few months could prove crucial as they aim to climb the League One table.
Writer’s View
The pursuit of Liam Cooper by Bolton Wanderers illustrates both the club’s ambition and the growing challenge for lower-tier teams to compete with international offers. In targeting a player of Cooper’s pedigree, Bolton clearly demonstrated their intent to build a squad capable of achieving promotion. However, the allure of European football, even in a league like Bulgaria’s, ultimately proved more attractive for Cooper, highlighting the global competition even for free agents.
Bolton’s careful approach to squad-building, particularly their decision to hold off until January for additional signings, may serve them well in the long run. Rushing into short-term solutions in the free-agent market could risk compromising team cohesion. By keeping an eye on future opportunities, Evatt is positioning his team for a stronger second half of the season—a strategy that may pay off if executed with precision.
