Clubs should be kicking themselves at a missed opportunity to try and sign Liam Cooper.
Leeds United’s change of coach has been of big benefit to defender Liam Cooper, who has re-established himself at the heart of their defence.
Cooper has solidified his first team place and become an regular starter when fit, playing a part in Leeds having the best defensive record in the Championship.
It is a big change from last season where Cooper was the odd man out behind Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley.
When he did come in, he struggled, and fans begun to get on his back.
It was not a too dissimilar situation to former Leeds talent Tom Lees, who was sold to Sheffield Wednesday in 2014.
Lees has gone onto prove his doubters wrong, establishing himself as one of the Owls’ key men.
It is clear Leeds made a mistake by letting Lees depart, and they should be pleased they did not make a similar error with regards to Cooper this summer.
Championship clubs have missed the boat on the Scotland international, as the chance to buy him was this summer.
With his Leeds first team role in doubt and his market value low, Leeds could have been tempted by a reasonable offer for Cooper.
Now even a high transfer bid would cause them to reject it, with Cooper showing why he was handed the captain’s armband in his debut season at the club.
Leeds have new manager Thomas Christiansen to thank for Cooper’s turnaround, and the lack of vision from rival clubs for not trying to lure the defender away.
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