Liam Cooper set to end his long wait for next club after Leeds United with Tuesday arrival

-Credit: (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)


Former Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is expected to fly to Bulgaria tomorrow to end his wait for a new club. The Whites veteran was released this summer after 284 appearances for the club and nearly 10 years of service at Elland Road.

Cooper reached an agreement with CSKA Sofia in recent days and has completed a medical in the UK prior to flying out to his new club. The 33-year-old is expected in the Bulgarian capital tomorrow to apply the finishing touches to his move.

LeedsLive understands the Scotland international has agreed a two-year deal with the outfit that finished third in the Bulgarian First League last term. It has, however, been a difficult start to the current campaign for Cooper’s prospective new club, as they sit second from bottom after six matches.

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Cooper’s arrival in Bulgaria should end what has been a long search for a new club, after his United contract expired on June 30. Most recently, Hull City had seemed the likely destination for the centre-back.

The Hull native was spotted at MKM Stadium for the 0-0 draw with Millwall on August 24, but initially positive talks did not materialise in an agreement. Prior to negotiations with the Tigers, Blackburn Rovers had made progress earlier in the summer, but eventually went with Danny Batth and Kyle McFadzean.

Another Championship club, Stoke City, had shown an interest in Cooper before the end of last season, but a change in their hierarchy saw that move die too. The Potters would ultimately seal an agreement with Ben Gibson in central defence.

Multiple one-year offers are understood to have been on the table for Cooper in the second tier this summer, but Sofia have eventually provided the security of at least two seasons. Leeds are expected to formally mark Cooper’s long service to the club when his next club is announced.