Why Liam Cooper's move to Sheffield Wednesday was blocked

Sheffield Wednesday have been hit with another major setback in the transfer market, as fresh EFL embargoes have stopped the club from completing a free agent move for former Leeds United captain Liam Cooper.

Sheffield Wednesday Hit by Transfer Embargoes Again

The Owls were placed under embargo during the summer after failing to pay player wages and outstanding transfer fees, severely limiting their recruitment options. Although those restrictions were eventually lifted—allowing Wednesday to secure loan deals for Ethan Horvath and Harry Amass—the relief proved short-lived.

The EFL have since imposed two fresh embargoes under Regulation 16.21.8 (Future Financial Information) and P&S Rule 2.10.3 (Secure Funding). Both relate to owner Dejphon Chansiri’s inability to prove that he can continue to fund the club going forward.

Deal for Liam Cooper Blocked

Manager Henrik Pedersen had been eager to strengthen his squad with EFL approval, and according to the Sheffield Star, a deal for free agent Liam Cooper was set to be finalised once Chansiri satisfied the league’s financial concerns.

However, Wednesday’s new embargo means they are unable to complete the signing. Under EFL rules, clubs under such restrictions can only sign free agents if they have fewer than 16 players with three or more league starts at their current level or higher. Sheffield Wednesday already meet that threshold, effectively ending their pursuit of Cooper.

For now, Sheffield Wednesday will have to continue their Championship survival battle without the experienced leadership of Liam Cooper, a signing that could have added much-needed depth and stability to Pedersen’s squad.