Liam Cooper has become a free agent once more after cutting short his stay at CSKA Sofia. The former Leeds United captain originally penned a two-year contract with the Bulgarian side in 2024, but decided to return home after just one season.
During his time abroad, Cooper’s progress was hampered by injuries, restricting him to only 27 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign. The 34-year-old has long struggled with fitness issues, dating back to Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure at Leeds. Fans still recall him picking up a knock while scoring against Cardiff City in Daniel Farke’s first match in charge.
Having returned to England, Cooper is eager to find a new club and settle closer to his family. Reports revealed that he had agreed a move to Sheffield Wednesday, one of Leeds United’s fiercest rivals. Wednesday are currently in turmoil, with financial problems leading to unpaid wages and the departure of key players such as Josh Windass. Manager Henrik Pedersen is left battling against the odds to keep the club afloat.
The Owls did enjoy a brief lift in the Carabao Cup when they stunned Leeds on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Hillsborough. But off the pitch, their struggles continue. According to The Star, an agreement had been reached for Cooper to join Wednesday, only for the EFL to step in and block the transfer due to the club’s ongoing embargo.
The root of the problem lies with owner Dejphon Chansiri. Sheffield Wednesday remain under a transfer embargo until he can prove sufficient financial backing to run the club and pay staff. While the embargo allows for free transfers and loans during the window, restrictions tighten outside of it.
In fact, EFL rules state that a club under embargo cannot sign free agents if they already have 16 or more players with at least three senior appearances. With Wednesday meeting that threshold, Cooper’s potential switch collapsed.
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