Daniel Farke spoke about Leeds United’s transfer window for the first time on Friday night.
Leeds won their first pre-season friendly of the summer 3-0 away to League Two side Harrogate Town.
Junior Firpo, Georginio Rutter, and Sam Chambers all scored for Leeds on a successful night, although it did underline Farke’s lack of first-team depth.
Leeds had a number of teenagers on the bench, including 15-year-old Harry Gray, and the paucity of incomings following so many departures has created some concern among the fans.
Leeds’ only three acquisitions thus far are Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, and Joe Rothwell, the latter of whom looked lively on his maiden appearance in a white shirt.
Farke provides an update on Liam Cooper’s Leeds future.
With three weeks until the new season, it appears that things are beginning to take up.
Jayden Bogle is allegedly close to joining Leeds, and Farke has all but confirmed Max Wober’s return to the club next season.
There is still some uncertainty surrounding the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, and Junior Firpo, and Bogle must be the start of a serious recruitment campaign in the coming weeks.
However, in a post-match interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Farke provided additional clarity over Liam Cooper’s future.
Leeds had offered Cooper new terms at the end of his contract, but he has yet to decide whether to continue with the Whites or join another club. However, Farke has stated that he would not be returning next season.
He said, “No.” We mostly work with the players who are present. I’ve spoken and complimented Liam so much that I don’t think any more words are necessary, but for the time being, we’re focusing on the players around us.
One ‘hurdle’ to overcome in Cooper’s Blackburn discussions
Cooper has sparked interest from three Championship clubs this summer, the most concrete of which has come from Blackburn Rovers.
The 32-year-old has been in talks with Rovers for some weeks but has unable to reach an agreement on a move.
Blackburn are willing to offer a one-year contract with the option to extend based on appearances, however the’magnificent’ Cooper wants a two-year guarantee.
This is the final hurdle for the two parties to overcome, and if a deal can be struck, the relocation will be completed quickly.