Liam Cooper says Leeds United have a ‘natural leader’ in the squad who is ready to replace him as captain
It appears that this weekend will mark the end of Liam Cooper’s ten-year tenure at Leeds United.
A long, hard season will finally come to a close on Sunday when Leeds plays Southampton in the Championship play-off final.
In his pre-match programme comments prior to last Thursday’s 4-0 victory against Norwich City, Cooper, whose contract at Elland Road expires next month, all but announced his departure.
The 32-year-old made his first appearance since the end of March when he was brought on for the final 10 minutes against the Canaries. This was a clear indication that Daniel Farke wanted to give the player the respect and appreciation he deserved, which he received.
Cooper has remarkably served as the team captain from the start of 2015; the fact that he has kept the position under nine different managers is testament to his high regard and the excellent work he has done.
Cooper shares why Ethan Ampadu is ‘natural’ captain replacement
Cooper’s exit will essentially mark the end of an era at Leeds, along with that of Luke Ayling and longtime teammate Stuart Dallas.
A new club captain will need to be formally named for the first time in more than eight years, albeit a few players have volunteered to wear the armband this season as a result of Cooper’s diminished playing time.
Leeds United left-back exits Elland Road, agrees terms in USA
Scott Godden has signed with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, a major university team in New Jersey, USA, after leaving Leeds United. The Rutgers official X account made the announcement of Godden’s signing.
Godden, 19, will now further his career abroad after leaving the Whites. He has never played for Leeds at the senior level.
Although he had participated in first-team training sessions earlier in the year, the left-back had not yet made an impact on the senior squad.
An unusual transfer for Leeds United defender Scott Godden
It is not an uncommon occurrence in and of itself for Godden to leave Elland Road.
A lot of the time, young players at well-established professional teams believe that their road to the first squad is barred and go elsewhere in search of better prospects.
It is uncommon for them to decide to join American university teams, nevertheless.
It’s probable that Godden moved for personal reasons or that he just thought the USA would be the best place to continue his growth, hoping to attract the attention of an MLS team if he does well for his new team in New Jersey.
Leo Hjelde, 20, seems to be getting closer to a breakout season, but Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are ahead of him in Leeds’ first team hierarchy.
As a matter of fact, the Norwegian has made eight appearances in the first team thus far. He played three times this season for a total of 180 minutes before going on loan to Sunderland, another Championship team. Prior to this, he had already made senior appearances for Rotherham United and Ross County. Conversely, neither a senior appearance nor a loan have been made by Godden at any level of competition.
His career may benefit most from leaving the club to pursue fresh opportunities.
In a related development:
Leeds want to sign int’L centre-back in brand new transfer – Sky Sports
Florian Plettenberg reports that Leeds United prefers to sign Gent center-back Jordan Torunarigha this summer over Hoffenheim.
After a “top season,” the 26-year-old could leave the Belgian team, according to a Sky Sports Germany journalist who wrote on his personal X account on May 22. The deal is expected to cost between £2.1 and £2.5 million.
Torunarigha, who is in the last year of his contract, was targeted by Stuttgart in the summer of last year, but a deal never came together, so he is now “one to watch” this summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old center-back from Gent had a fantastic season, and he had one year remaining on his contract, he wrote.
“Transfer possible in the summer at approximately €2.5–3 million (£2.1–2.5 million) in price.” In order to replace Zagadou due to injury, Stuttgart expressed interest in the new Nigerian international in the summer.
Hoffenheim and Leeds United are currently very focused on him! Something to keep an eye on.
Leeds United preparing for life after Joe Rodon and Liam Cooper?
This summer is anticipated to be busy at Elland Road as a number of players, including captain Liam Cooper, are set to depart the team at the end of their contracts.
A slot in the starting lineup would be instantly available for a new central defender, but Joe Rodon’s loan is set to expire following the playoff final, and Charlie Cresswell is also thinking about his options for a move.
Although Torunarigha has experience and has represented Germany at the young level in addition to having received one cap for Nigeria, there is no assurance that Rodon will stay.
Plettenberg is often a fairly dependable player when it comes to moves, so it would undoubtedly be a cheap bargain.
It’s encouraging to see that moves are already planned for Leeds as they prepare for the upcoming season. No matter what league they play in, a new defender will be essential.
