Many players have been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but few football fans would have guessed that Leeds United captain Liam Cooper would be one of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January opened the door for many talents to leave the big clubs of European football to settle in the Middle East.
Neymar, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, Aymeric Laporte and Jordan Henderson are among the biggest names to join the Saudi Pro League – and Cooper could feature alongside familiar names that early this summer.
The 32-year-old Leeds captain turned down a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window.
Reportedly, instead of traveling with Ronaldo and Neymar to the Middle East, he chose to stay at Elland Road and appeared ready to sign a new contract with current terms that expire next year. Unfortunately for the Scots Hull international, he played against Cardiff City on the opening day of the season, scoring a goal in a 2-2 draw at Elland Road and has not played since due to an eye injury. ankle.
Cooper is now nearing the end of his career.
He will be the first to admit that last season was not good enough by his standards as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League. Last season, former midfielder Hull also played only 18 times in the league due to having to miss many times due to injury and fitness problems.
Cooper has long since turned 32 and with growing injury problems and poor form, who can say that a move to Saudi Arabia could still be done before their transfer window. closes at 10pm (UK time) on Thursdays. 7. September. According to figures released on players from Saudi clubs this summer, this will be a life-changing decision for Cooper.
Of course, he’s usually not listed among Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema when people talk about the influx of talent to the Saudi Pro League (perhaps he’s more on par with the signing of Jason Denayer for Al-Fateh. ).
But for Cooper, it doesn’t matter if the amount is given.
If he has the same injury problem for Leeds this season, who can say he will even play 50% of the club’s games in the league?
And even with good form, will he replace Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk or Charlie Cresswell? Honestly, Cooper’s time in Leeds is long over, and if he does go to Saudi Arabia in the next 24 hours, we won’t blame him despite what he’s told. team at the end of last year. season. season in which relegation was confirmed.
