Liam Cooper, the seasoned Scottish centre-half, has officially parted ways with CSKA Sofia less than a year into his contract with the Bulgarian club. The 33-year-old's departure was confirmed to be 'by mutual agreement', as stated by the club.

Cooper, who boasts 19 caps for Scotland, joined CSKA Sofia as a free agent in September 2023, following a remarkable 10-year tenure with Leeds United. During his time at Leeds, he served as the club's captain, becoming a pivotal figure in their defensive lineup.

In his short stint with CSKA Sofia, Cooper made a significant impact, featuring in 25 matches last season, with 21 starts. His contributions helped the club secure a fifth-place finish in the Bulgarian First League. This season, he started both of CSKA's opening league games, which ended in 1-1 draws against Botev Plovdiv and Spartak Varna.

Cooper's exit coincides with rumors surrounding another Scottish defender, Ryan Porteous, who is reportedly in talks for a transfer from Watford to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC. This potential move could mark a significant shift in the careers of both Scottish internationals.

Related Topics

• Scottish Football
• Football Transfers
• Bulgarian First League

For more updates on Scottish football and player transfers, stay tuned to BBC Sport.