Leeds United captain Liam Cooper turned down interest from Saudi Arabia during the transfer window.
That is according to Phil Hay of the Athletic, who reported this morning that Cooper said no to the advances from a club in the Middle East with the hope of discussing a new deal at Leeds.
Shortly before Leeds’ Championship opener with Cardiff City, talkSPORT claimed that Saudi second division side Al Qadsiah made him a ‘lucrative offer’.
Al Qadsiah are managed by former Leeds striker Robbie Fowler and had already signed one member of the Whites’ first team squad, with Joel Robles having made the move.
However, despite the big money offer that has tempted so many huge stars including Neymar, Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema this summer, Cooper said no.
Leeds’ Cooper turned down Saudi Arabia interest
Cooper’s decision to turn Saudi Arabia down shows just how determined he is to help Leeds get back to the Premier League this season.
He had seen so many of his teammates from last year move on during the window, and given his age, could’ve been forgiven for accepting the offer that would’ve massively benefitted him financially.
It must’ve been even more tempting for him to make the switch after picking up an eight-week injury in Leeds’ first game of the season, too.
Cooper has had numerous injury problems over the course of the last few years and with that in mind, a big contract in Saudi Arabia could would’ve set him up.
His decision not to move on in what has been a very difficult summer should be applauded by Leeds fans and hopefully he can make some sort of impact this season.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
