'The best I've ever seen' - Former teammates and coaches agree on Sheffield Wednesday target Liam Cooper
Former Leeds United defender Liam Cooper remains a primary transfer target for Sheffield Wednesday.
If Sheffield Wednesday get the green light to bring in some free agent signings by the EFL, former Leeds United defender Liam Cooper could be one of the very first through the door.
After it was understood he was close to agreeing a deal to join the Owls during the summer, the restrictions Wednesday found themselves under put pay to their hopes of strengthening their defensive options.
Despite that blow, Cooper remains available, meaning he could end up a Wednesday player after all. Owls boss Henrik Pedersen, following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s, confirmed the centre-back is one of the options Wednesday are looking at in the event of them getting the authority to bring new players in.
“He is one of them,” Pedersen said of Cooper. “We have more on the list, but if you don't know what you can pay in salary, what you can budget for, it is difficult.
“But we have different lists with different categories and we will see what happens. We hope for the best.”
At the time of writing, it remains to be seen if Wednesday will be given the green light by the EFL to bring Cooper or indeed any other free agents through the door. However, in the hope they are allowed, it is fair to say they would be bringing in just the sort of character they need for the situation they currently find themselves in.
The 34-year-old, who is available after leaving Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia in the summer, has earned plaudits throughout his career for his professionalism, from both his former coaches and former teammates.
Below, The Star has picked out some of the best comments his former colleagues have had to say about the Owls target:
Marcelo Bielsa
"The fact that he represents his teammates is by itself a virtue," Bielsa said of Cooper, speaking back in 2019. "It’s not up to me to describe the virtues the players recognised in him when they chose him, but I can tell you what I'm impressed about.
“You can't find a better professional than him. He feels love from his profession apart from the fact it’s his job.
“He is generous and prioritises the needs of his team-mates before his own needs. He’s always willing to help the others rather than asking for help.
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“He is always very present in times of adversity and he is very discreet when the team is successful. He doesn’t like the notoriety."
Jesse Marsch
Speaking in March 2022, former Leeds boss Marsch said: “Liam is going to play a big role in the team no matter what. Diego [Llorente] and Robin [Koch] have done well.
“I told Liam before yesterday he hasn’t trained much but when he does return from injury, he plays flawlessly. In terms of mentality, a professional, a leader, he is the best I’ve ever seen. He will be used, he will be needed.”
Daniel Farke
Current Leeds boss Daniel Farke said of Cooper in September last year: "It was a pleasure and a privilege to be allowed to be his manager for the last 12 months.
"I've also played several times against him, also in his prime. So what can I say? A fantastic footballer, a fantastic human being, an unbelievable person. He's a real club legend.
"What he has done for this club in the last decade is more or less second to none. He fits our mantra, side before self. And, yes, he will always be with us, also in our hearts, and will always be a club legend.”
Stuart Dallas
After Cooper issued a lengthy statement to announce his exit from Leeds last year, former Whites teammate Dallas said: "More than a teammate. Looked after me from day one.
“An example to every young kid, both on and off the pitch, especially at Leeds. I know how much it meant to you to lead our club, and I’m proud of you for how you’ve represented both yourself and the club. Thank you.”
Luke Ayling
Ayling posted on social media at the time of Cooper’s exit: “Will always be my skipper! A great man and the leader who took us back to the Premier League. Love you skip.”