“I am 100 percent convinced” Loyal Leeds United man explain MAJOR reason why he left Elland Road revealing zero regret towards decision.
The 33-year-old defender Liam Cooper declined a new contract offer from Leeds United, with reports suggesting the proposed salary was far below his expectations. This marked the end of a decade-long tenure at Leeds, where Cooper left as an iconic figure.
Cooper made 284 appearances for Leeds, most of them as captain. He led the team to promotion under Marcelo Bielsa, guiding them back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, and also earned 19 caps for Scotland during his time at the club.
Although Cooper attracted interest from several Championship clubs this summer as a free agent, no agreement was reached. Instead, the left-footed defender made a surprise move to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.
Explaining his decision to join CSKA Sofia, Cooper acknowledged the club’s rich history and high expectations, despite their poor start to the 2024-25 season, with five defeats from six games. CSKA Sofia are currently languishing in the relegation zone, and Cooper has been brought in to strengthen their squad.
Cooper shared his thoughts on CSKA Sofia’s website: “I’m 100 percent convinced about this move. I had an amazing 10 years at Leeds, a club that will always be close to my heart, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Playing European football for a big club in Bulgaria is a new challenge I’m excited for, both culturally and professionally. It’s something I’ve never experienced before, and it feels right for me and my family.”
John Eustace of Blackburn Rovers had shown interest in Cooper and entered talks, but they reached a stalemate over contract length, with Cooper seeking a two-year deal while Blackburn only offered one. Watford manager Tom Cleverley also expressed interest in signing the former Leeds captain, but that move didn’t materialize. There were additional links with Hull City and Derby County, but ultimately, Cooper chose the unexpected path to Bulgaria.
Cooper could make his debut for CSKA Sofia on Monday in their match against Lokomotiv Sofia, and it will be interesting to see if he is immediately included in the starting lineup.