Leeds United transfer news as terms agreed for Pantelis Chatzidiakos to replace Liam Cooper
Leeds United have agreed on personal terms with AZ Alkmaar centre-back Pantelis Chatzidiakos, with a fee up to £3.4million on the table, according to Sportime.
The Greek news outlet shared on 7 August that Leeds have been pursuing this deal for 15 days, as his time at AZ draws to an end as both parties are looking to move on, having spent seven years in the Netherlands.
Chatzidiakos could be seen as the long-term replacement to Leeds captain Liam Cooper who, at 31, was stretchered off with an injury in the game against Cardiff, and is in talks over a potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah [talkSPORT].
Cooper’s future at Elland Road is still up in the air. Even if the potential Saudi move breaks down, his recent injury matched with his age could be the start of a slippery slope, as the time it takes to recover gets statistically longer for older players.
If he does move to Saudi Arabia, with talks over a move continuing as the wait for his decision drags on, Leeds will be left short in their squad, but will also be missing a key leader in the dressing room.
Cooper’s presence as somebody who knows and understands the club will be invaluable to Leeds’ push for promotion this season, with his leadership and experience key for guiding the young players, of which there are many, through what can be a tough effort.
The Greek defender on the other hand is 26 years old, suggesting he could provide five years of top service to the Yorkshire club before he reaches Cooper’s age.
Leeds need to bring in a centre-back regardless of Cooper’s future. The captain’s current absence leaves Leeds with just Charlie Cresswell and Pascal Struijk for cover as out-and-out centre-backs, although Luke Ayling and new boy Ethan Ampadu are capable of playing a makeshift role.
We could be seeing our Cooper replacement take shape already.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a new update on Cooper’s Saudi Arabia move.