Exclusive: Peterborough United urged to sign ex-Leeds United star | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie believes that ex-Leeds captain Liam Cooper would bring invaluable experience to the sides fighting at the top end of League One.

Ex-Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is now a free agent after leaving Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.

After falling out of favour under Daniel Farke, Cooper made the first overseas move of his career in September 2024.

However, after just one full season in Bulgaria, the capital club confirmed they had reached an agreement with the player to mutually terminate his contract.

The 33-year-old is remembered fondly at Elland Road after playing a crucial role as Leeds climbed to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, while being a regular as they secured a ninth-place finish in their first year in the top-flight.

Despite his age, Cooper could be on the radar of clubs across the EFL this summer, and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie, speaking exclusively to Football League World, believes that his experience would be invaluable to sides battling at the top end of League One.

Cooper deemed a "really good signing" for League One clubs

"With him being a free agent, I think you have to look at his position and his experience," said Hendrie when asked what EFL clubs could do with his services.

"He has the potential to fit into most top League One clubs, and maybe at the bottom end of the Championship. And just regarding his experience, I think any of those aiming to challenge for promotion would welcome him."

"I think you look at the stronger clubs with younger squads, someone with his experience, and the fact that he can play out from the back with the Bielsea-Leeds DNA, he would be fantastic."

Hendrie at first struggled to pick one specific side for Cooper, pointing to the fact that he would be fantastic for all involved in the promotion race.

"I can't just name one individual team because I think he would fit into the top five or six clubs that will be aiming to be up there, pushing for Championship football. I think he would be a great signing for one of those clubs."

However, Hendrie was able to pinpoint one destination after they had a disappointing campaign last term: "If I were to pick one, it would be Peterborough. They had a poor season last year, and I feel that some experience, while not shelling out a load of cash for someone, would be a real benefit. He could also help to guide the youngsters."

"But, I really think that he would be a fantastic signing for all the clubs at the top end of League One."

Cooper would bring invaluable experience to the Posh backline

At 33, Cooper would bring fantastic experience to any side across the EFL that can secure his signature this summer.

28-year-old centre-back Sam Hughes has joined the club permanently from Stockport after spending the second half of last term with Posh, and is currently the oldest defender within Darren Ferguson's squad, who were the youngest in League One last season regarding their average age of 23.

Cooper would join as the oldest member in the ranks, with 28-year-old Hughes next in line. Cooper's wisdom through his years in the game under a variety of managers could prove invaluable for a Posh side looking to bounce back after a rather disappointing 24/25 season in which they finished 18th.

At 33, Cooper still has a lot to prove in England, and a side in the lower leagues may be the best destination as he looks to wind down his career on home soil.