Liam Cooper Eyes Career Revival at Sheffield Wednesday Amidst Padel Break
It is shortly after 10 AM when Liam Cooper answers his mobile phone, having already completed a match earlier that morning in a sport that has captured his competitive spirit: padel. The racquet sport, which is quickly gaining traction in the UK, has become a significant outlet for the former Leeds United captain, who has been without a club for over three months. Following a ten-month stint in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia, Cooper and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract at the end of July. Since then, he has been on the lookout for a new team in the UK while trying to maintain his fitness.
“It’s difficult,” Cooper shared, reflecting the sentiments that many find themselves grappling with in similar situations. “Psychologically, it keeps you fresh…The worry does start to set in. Is that call from a club going to come?” He credited his supportive family environment, including his wife and children, for helping him navigate this challenging period, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.
Adjusting to life outside of football, he remarked on the unique absence of competitive edge he feels while engaging in padel, noting that it cannot replicate the exhilaration of winning three points on match day after a week of training.
Cooper remains hopeful that a long-awaited opportunity will materialize soon, eyeing Sheffield Wednesday as a potential new home. The Championship club’s manager, Henrik Pedersen, has indicated interest in signing Cooper, but recruitment restrictions imposed by the English Football League (EFL) are hampering progress. These restrictions stem from financial regulations violated under former chairman Dejphon Chansiri, which currently prohibit the club from registering new players.
Cooper, who turned 34 at the end of August, is acutely aware of how age factors into the dynamics of club recruitment. Reflecting on the past two summers where interest from English clubs did not lead to significant offers, he expressed frustration with modern recruitment models, which he believes undervalue experience in favor of younger, financially viable players. “If you’re out of the game too long, it gets more difficult,” he observed, emphasizing that his own experience and leadership capabilities are assets that clubs should not overlook, especially in competitive environments.
