Daniel Farke makes new Liam Cooper exit admission in Leeds United contract update
Daniel Farke has admitted he expects Liam Cooper and Cody Drameh’s futures to be away from Leeds United, according to Adam Pope.
The BBC Sport journalist reported via X on Saturday (20 July) that the Whites boss explained after the pre-season win over Harrogate Town that he expected both players to leave Elland Road as free agents.
Both players’ contracts expired at the end of last season and although both received offers to extend their stay, it seems more likely that they will head elsewhere.
Writing on X, Pope said: “Farke confirms Bamford will play some minutes in Germany after reintegrating after surgery.
“Wöber due back & like Aaronson will be brought back into the fold. Cooper & Drameh’s future expected to be elsewhere.”
Cooper is reportedly “deadlocked” in talks with Blackburn Rovers over a contract at Ewood Park, but a return to Elland Road is understood to not be completely off of the table [Lancashire Telegraph, 19 July].
Will Liam Cooper stay at Leeds United amid Blackburn transfer speculation?
It has always seemed unlikely that Cooper would extend his contract with Leeds United, but Farke’s latest admission means that a summer move away is now more likely than ever before.
While the Scottish international is a modern-day great, his minutes were limited last term and that was unlikely to change this season. It is best for all parties if a deal can be agreed elsewhere with a club he can play regularly for.
He has been lucky enough to already bid farewell to the Elland Road crowd during the Whites’ playoff semifinal win over Norwich City, where he was introduced as a late substitute before soaking in the atmosphere with his family.
There is no doubt he still has what it takes to play week in and week out in the Championship, just not for a team challenging for the title that already has Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Max Wober and Ethan Ampadu at its disposal.
Hopefully, both Cooper and Drameh will get excellent moves before the Championship season gets back underway as they’re both more than capable of starring in this division.
In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged around Rasmus Kritsensen’s future following his move to Eintracht Frankfurt
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