Does Liam Cooper have a long term future at Leeds United?
Whichever way you look at it, Leeds United need more centre-backs at present.
Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are the only two they have, with the ‘break glass option’ being utilising right-back Luke Ayling in the centre.
Matthew Pennington signing on loan helps, but as a youngster he is still unproven.
With a 46 game season upcoming plus cup games, it is an unsatisfactory situation for the Whites and they need to bring at least one new experienced defender.
Yet there is an under current of sentiment there too, that Leeds are looking for a partner for Jansson and a regular starter, rather than a back-up for Jansson and Cooper.
Is Liam Cooper good enough to be a regular for Leeds United?
Cooper spent last season as a back-up for Jansson and Kyle Bartley, and there is a strong chance this is a scenario he finds himself in once again.
If Leeds bring in a Tommy Elphick or Aden Flint as rumoured, then Cooper will be back to being third or even fourth choice – a valuable role but one he should not be content with.
Blackburn’s Hope Akpan and Leeds’ Liam Cooper in action
This will be Cooper’s fourth season at Leeds, and having had a spell as captain in his debut campaign, having another season as back-up will not be what he envisioned.
Leeds can’t allow to let him leave now, but a fresh start may be in his best interests.
The 25-year-old for now is a valuable commodity to Leeds even as a third choice, and owes it to himself to battle for a first team spot under his new manager, but Cooper could be forced into considering moving on if it becomes clear he is not a regular starter – and find a team who will see him that way.
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