Sheffield Wednesday close in on Liam Cooper agreement | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday are vying to build a strong squad ahead of their upcoming League One campaign

Sheffield Wednesday must enjoy a strong summer transfer window following their relegation from the Championship to League One.

The Owls spent the majority of last season in administration, and their relegation to the third tier was confirmed in February, largely thanks to the fact that they were deducted 18 points by the EFL for former owner Dejphon Chansiri's wrongdoings.

Optimism has returned to Hillsborough Stadium in recent weeks, though, thanks to the takeover completed by David Storch's Arise Capital Partners consortium.

Storch is keen to help Wednesday return to the Championship at the first time of asking, and achieving that feat requires successful recruitment this summer.

Liam Cooper, Sheffield Wednesday future update emerges

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When the Owls were in financial difficulty last term, they could only make free agent and loan signings, as opposed to acquiring players for transfer fees.

One player the South Yorkshire outfit signed on a free transfer in November 2025 was former Leeds United defender Liam Cooper, who joined on a deal until the end of the season.

Cooper most recently represented Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia before joining Wednesday, but has earned plenty of EFL experience in his career thanks to his stints with Leeds, Chesterfield, Hull City, Huddersfield Town, and Carlisle United.

The 34-year-old made 14 Championship appearances for the S6 side last season, and scored in their 3-1 defeat against eventual promotion winners Ipswich Town last December.

Cooper's most recent Wednesday outing came in February, when his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to cross-city rivals Sheffield United, which confirmed their relegation to League One.

The former Leeds man sustained a season-ending groin injury in that Steel City Derby loss and will hope to remain fit for the whole of next campaign.

As revealed by the Wednesday Word's Joe Crann via X, it is increasingly likely that Cooper will stay with the Owls for next season, and good progress towards a new contract has been made.

Liam Cooper can be a real asset for Wednesday in League One

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The 19-cap Scotland international endured a tough season with the Owls last term, courtesy of their off-field hardship and his own injury struggles.

However, having featured in the Championship last campaign, Cooper should still have a lot to offer in League One, especially if he avoids further injuries.

Cooper previously made over 280 appearances for Leeds, helping the Whites win the second-tier title in 2020 before subsequently featuring for them in the Premier League.

Furthermore, the 34-year-old's time in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia will have made him a more cultured footballer, which should help the Owls in their quest to enjoy a successful League One campaign next term.

There is rightfully plenty of optimism and positivity in S6 following Wednesday's exit from administration, but they need to have a highly successful transfer window, having recently lost several key players, to ensure that they are competing at the right end of the third tier next term.