Disappointment over Cooper sale is totally understandable

IT is entirely understandable the transfer of Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper to Sheffield United has provoked such an animated response from the Green Army on social media.

On the face of it, an initial £2 million fee simply does not represent what the talented 24-year-old shotstopper is really worth. Sheffield United have got a bargain, and they will know that. Cooper has had two knee injuries since February 2023 one a torn anterior cruciate ligament - but as long as he stays fit he should go on to be a good acquisition for the Blades as they target a return to the Premier League.

Herald Sport understands the £2m deal for Cooper could rise up to £4m with add-ons, including United securing promotion back to the top flight of English football, and there is a good-sized sell-on clause, so from Argyle's perspective they will now be hoping their academy graduate goes on to have success at the South Yorkshire club because they stand to gain financially from that quite significantly.

Of course, Argyle would have wanted more up front money for their 2021/22 and 2022/23 Player of the Year, but they were left in a difficult position over Cooper's sale.

Herald Sport understands that Cooper turned down the chance to sign a new contract this summer which would have made him the club's highest paid player ever. Had he put pen to paper, then at the very least Argyle would have been in a much stronger bargaining position when it came to any subsequent bids for him.