Liam Cooper involved in remarkable Leeds United twist, back at Elland Road this week
Graham Smyth has reacted to the news that Liam Cooper could return to Elland Road as an opposition player following his exit from Leeds United earlier this summer.
The 32-year-old defender has agreed to join Hull City as a free agent, as per Mike White, having been spotted sitting in Acun Ilicali’s private box during the Tigers’ 0-0 stalemate with Millwall on Saturday 24 August.
Leeds’ next Championship clash sees them welcome Hull to Elland Road on Saturday 31 August, and with five days until then, Cooper could be registered to face his former club, where he spent almost 10 years.
Taking to X on Monday (26 August), Smyth wrote: “Couldn’t write it, could you? 284 appearances for Leeds United in what was so close to being a full decade.
“The first game with a new club could be at Elland Road on Saturday. Deal close, could take just another day or two.”
Liam Cooper already set for Leeds United return with Hull City
While it will be extremely strange to see the veteran defender in a different shirt to the usual white of Leeds, it will give the Elland Road faithful an opportunity to show their love, respect and affection.
Cooper’s future was still up in the air when Daniel Farke’s side missed out on promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season, leaving no time for the fans to thank the player for his services.
The likes of Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas have already been serenaded after confirming their departures from the club, either joining another team or retiring from football, and Cooper deserves that too.
The Scotland international dedicated almost 10 years of his life to the West Yorkshire club, playing 284 times and leading them back to the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign.
It is never easy to say goodbye to a former player, especially when many fans expected him to put pen to paper on a new deal, but it could be a hugely emotional day when Hull visit Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Largie Ramazani’s eligibility has been shared ahead of the clash against Hull City at Elland Road.
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