Charlie Taylor has been linked with a surprise return to Leeds United this summer from Burnley following the club’s relegation to the Championship – a player that Liam Cooper described as both “brilliant” and “amazing” in 2015.
Taylor, 29, has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, after helping the Clarets gain promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. He played 41 times for Burnley during 2022-23.
He started the first nine league games of the season, but after that, he struggled to get into the side on a regular basis. Used largely as a centre-back, instead of his natural left-back role, he started seven games from October.
So, given his lack of game time, his contractual situation and his connection with Leeds – Taylor moving back to Elland Road has legs. Phil Hay reported on The Athletic on Thursday that he is being considered for a return.
A player that impressed captain Cooper while Taylor was still at Elland Road, before his exit in 2017. Cooper told BBC Radio Leeds he was delighted with Taylor, after seven games out injured during the first half of 15-16, returning well.
“Charlie’s performances at the start of the season were brilliant. He’s come in today, hasn’t even looked like he’s been out. Amazing, he’s not even had any football. Delighted for Charlie, I wish we could have got a result for him.”
Taylor linked with Leeds return, Cooper described him as brilliant in 2015
What a signing Taylor would be. Taylor was excellent for Leeds but perhaps what is key, is that Leeds have really struggled to replace Taylor on a regular basis. It has been a problem area for us, since Taylor left in 2017, for £7m.
Barry Douglas started well but injuries hampered his time at Leeds. Gjanni Alioski was up and down. Stuart Dallas is yet to play since April 2022, and the less said about Junior Firpo, the better. Taylor ends that issue on the left side.
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