Leeds United transfer news as Liam Cooper exit twist emerges to Saudi Arabia

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper could yet leave the club this summer to Saudi Arabia, even after the serious-looking injury he picked up against Cardiff, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic.

The journalist has reported on 7 August that no contract extension has yet been offered to Cooper, who will be tempted by the financial appeal of any deal, particularly as he waits for news of the ankle injury he suffered against Cardiff.

It is shared that, unlike the exit of Max Wober, who the club expected to stay throughout the summer window before he ultimately left on loan, Cooper's exit is not so much of a defection from the club, and more one of circumstance.

Can't afford to keep losing players

Leeds have already lost plenty of first-team talent this summer following their relegation, with more departures still possible, but the club should do all they can to hang on to those who can be held on to.

Among those, you would rank the club captain Cooper. A man who gets it, and understands what it means to play for Leeds United. Losing such an influential player on the squad, whose voice would no doubt be missed in the dressing room, would be more damaging than those they have let go so far.

Cooper's place on the pitch would likely need to be filled with an incoming player, with Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell the only other out-and-out centre-backs at the club, while Luke Ayling and Ethan Ampadu would be able to fill in if needed.

An offer from Saudi Arabia must be tempting for Cooper, but Leeds should do all they can to keep him focused on the task at hand and to help push the team as hard as he can to achieve promotion this season at the first time of asking.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an injury update for player stretchered off against Cardiff.