Liam Cooper

Liam Cooper is an experienced centre-back who joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer in November 2025.

Born in Kingston upon Hull, Cooper progressed through the academy at his hometown club Hull City and made his senior debut aged 16 in a League Cup tie against Swansea City in August 2008. He later gained further first-team experience during loan spells with Carlisle United and Huddersfield Town.

Cooper joined Chesterfield initially on loan in November 2012 before completing a permanent move. He became a regular for the Spireites and played an important role during the 2013/14 campaign, helping the club win the League Two title and reach the Football League Trophy final at Wembley. His performances earned him a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year.

In August 2014, the defender signed for Leeds United. Cooper went on to spend a decade at Elland Road, making 284 appearances in all competitions and establishing himself as the club’s long-serving captain.

His most successful season with Leeds came in 2019/20, when he captained Marcelo Bielsa’s side to the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League. Cooper was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year in both 2018/19 and 2019/20.

He subsequently represented Leeds in the Premier League before leaving the club in September 2024. Cooper then moved abroad to join Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, where he spent the 2024/25 season and the opening months of the following campaign.

Cooper returned to English football in November 2025 when he signed for Sheffield Wednesday. He made his Owls debut in the Steel City derby against Sheffield United and scored his first goal for the club against Ipswich Town in December 2025. After the conclusion of the season, he signed a new one-year contract keeping him at Hillsborough until the summer of 2027.

Although born in England, Cooper qualified to represent Scotland through his paternal grandfather. After playing at under-17 and under-19 level, he made his senior international debut in 2019. He earned 19 caps and was selected for Scotland’s squads at UEFA Euro 2020 and UEFA Euro 2024.