Charlie Cresswell came through Leeds' academy
(Credit: Imago)
Jack Dawson
Sun 29 June 2025 6:45, UK
Charlie Cresswell is one of Leeds United’s best academy products in recent times.
The 20-year-old centre-back only played a handful of matches at Elland Road before he was moved on.
Cresswell joined French side Toulouse for £3.8 million last summer, and he has since gone on to shine in Ligue 1.
Now, the Leeds academy graduate has impressed at international level with England Under 21s.
Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell attracting interest from Premier League and Serie A clubs
The former Leeds United man was part of the England Under 21s squad that won the European Championships on Saturday.
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The Three Lions overcame Germany 3-2 in extra time, with Cresswell playing the full 120 minutes.
As a result, the value of the 20-year-old has skyrocketed this summer, with interest increasing for the defender.
According to the Sun on Sunday, page 57 (29 June), Toulouse value the centre-back at £18m, but this has not put off potential suitors.
Several Premier League clubs are watching, with Atalanta and Como tempted to make a move for the youngster.
These recent developments are proof of how big a blunder it was to sell Cresswell for so cheap last summer.
The defender is now worth nearly five times the value of his sale price, with Leeds now set to miss out of millions.
On top of this, Cresswell could have easily played a part in the upcoming Premier League season.
His performances at the European Championships and Toulouse are proof that he is ready for regular football in the English top-flight, and it is a bit baffling why Daniel Farke did not play him more in the 2023/24 campaign.
Daniel Farke
Farke did not play Cresswell regularly (Credit: Imago)
Farke has to give Leeds youth players more chances
It is no secret that Leeds’ academy is one of the best in the country. The Yorkshire club has produced many players who have gone on to be regulars in the top-flight and at international level.
Therefore, it is a must that Farke starts to recognise this and give more chances to the Peacocks’ next generation.
Charlie Cresswell at Leeds United
Appearances 14
Goals 0
Assists 0
Cresswell was barely given an opportunity at Leeds
If Cresswell had played more for Leeds before he left, he may have realised his potential at Elland Road, which would have no doubt increased his value. Instead, he will now be looked at as the one who got away.
This season, Farke cannot repeat this mistake, and he must play more academy players when he has the opportunity to do so.
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