Leeds United: Liam Cooper could sign new deal at Elland Road after latest contract admission
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper’s future remains incredibly unclear as he enters the final months of his contract at Elland Road.
The Scottish international has fallen out of favour under Daniel Farke this season, seeing the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk all start ahead of him at centre-back for large parts of the campaign.
Despite his lack of football in recent months, the 32-year-old has dropped a new hint surrounding his plans ahead of the summer transfer window, admitting that he hopes to remain Leeds captain for a “few more years”.
As quoted by Leeds Live on Friday (19 April) he said: “I’ve been captain nearly seven years now. I’ve tried every day to lead by example, to be a good example around the place and give everything I can to make this club better.
“It’s one (a job) I’ve done with great honour. I’ve enjoyed every second and, hopefully, that can continue for a few more years, but we’ll see.”
Will Liam Cooper leave Leeds United during the summer transfer window at Elland Road?
Reports from The Athletic’s Leeds United reporter Phil Hay (5 April) suggested that Cooper had no expectations of getting an extension beyond the end of the season at Elland Road, with most assuming he would leave as a free agent.
The fact that the Whites’ skipper has admitted he wants to remain captain “for a few more years” would imply that he is keen to extend his contract and remain part of Farke’s squad next season, even if he isn’t a regular fixture in the starting XI.
There is an argument to suggest that the Scottish international’s experience could help Leeds next season, no matter what division they find themselves in. He has played in the Premier League before and could help some young stars navigate the top flight.
Whether or not Farke will see it that way remains to be seen. From Cooper’s side, however, it seems obvious that the 32-year-old would be willing to sign on the dotted line before the campaign is up.
In other Leeds United news, Archie Gray has made a new admission about his international future amid links with Scotland
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