Liam Cooper wants to stay at Leeds United but Daniel Farke does not see him as part of his team in the Premier League.
Leeds United Scotland defender Liam Cooper is keen to extend his stay at the club this summer, but his future depends on the outcome of the club's crucial game against Southampton on Sunday, 26 May.
According to David Anderson of the Sunday People, the final decision will be taken after the final whistle of the Play-Off final, which will determine whether Leeds United will secure promotion to the Premier League.
Cooper, who has been with Leeds United since 2014, is determined to reach the milestone of ten years at the club. Despite his dedication and long service, this season has seen him play a major role in supporting the team. He has only played 16 games in the Championship, starting only eight games. His limited playing time during the Play-Offs, with just seven minutes in the second leg win over Norwich, underscores his reduced presence on the pitch.
Daniel Farke for bringing on Leeds United legend Liam Cooper against Norwich City
Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, has made it clear that Cooper's recent performances have been driven by tactical needs rather than emotions. During the second leg against Norwich, Cooper was brought on to replace Ilia Gruev, who was on a yellow card, and provide cover for Ethan Ampadu, the team's deepest midfielder.
Farke insisted the substitution was a good move, telling Leeds Live: “I wanted Liam. [on] well, not only thanks to him for his hard work, but also Ilia was yellow, and Ethan Ampadu is the only player who can fulfill this deep six role. “
Liam Cooper's time at Leeds may be coming to an end
The Play-Off final against Southampton is crucial to Leeds United's hopes of returning to the Premier League.
For Cooper, the stakes are equally high on a personal level. If Leeds are victorious and secure, the club are reportedly unlikely to offer him a new contract, suggesting his time in charge at Elland Road may be drawing to a close. This will mark a major change for a player who has been at the club for nearly a decade.
As Leeds United prepare for what could be a defining moment in their season, Liam Cooper faces an uncertain future. His desire to stay and achieve ten years' service with the club is clear, but the final decision will depend on the club's success in the Play-Off final.
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