Breaking News as England U21 defender Charlie Cresswell smiles towards West Ham manager Graham Potter who applauds from a circular inset.
Credit: Imago
Evan Shaw
Sun 31 August 2025 6:50, UK
West Ham could be about to complete a late swoop for Charlie Cresswell ahead of Monday night’s transfer deadline.
The centre-back was a crucial part of England U21s’ Euros campaign this summer, playing every minute of the tournament as Lee Carsley’s side successfully defended their crown.
West Ham showed an interest in Cresswell earlier in the window, but they could finally be about to materialise their interest and make a move to bring him to the Premier League.
Graham Potter’s men have had a dismal start to the season, and they will be hoping that a late flurry of action in the transfer market could help to turn their fortunes around.
West Ham manager Graham Potter squints into the distance.
Credit: Imago
West Ham make ‘firm inquiries’ over Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell has been on West Ham’s radar for some time now, and they could finally be about to make the move for the defender that has been mooted for so long.
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The 23-year-old scored in Toulouse’s 6-3 defeat at home to PSG on Saturday, but could now have played his final game for the French outfit if the Hammers are to get their way.
Cresswell played every minute of the U21 Euros this summer
He made his Premier League debut as a 19-year-old against West Ham in September 2021
He had a loan stint with Millwall in the 2022/23 campaign
The East Londoners are understood to have made “firm inquiries” to Toulouse about a possible deal for Cresswell, according to the print edition of The Sun on Sunday on 31 August (pg. 55).
It is understood that the Ligue 1 side are holding out for an initial fee of £13million to allow their star to depart, but are also looking for a series of bonuses to sweeten the deal even further.
Charlie Cresswell deserves a chance in the Premier League
Potter and West Ham will be hoping that they can bring in fresh faces to help kick-start their season ahead of the imminent cut-off, and Cresswell would certainly represent a good start in that sense.
He showcased his ability to command a backline and defend resolutely during the U21 Euros earlier this summer, and his performances there will have surely caught the eye of several Premier League sides.
The former Leeds United academy graduate got a brief look-in at top flight level in the 2021/22 campaign, but was largely confined to substitute appearances during his time at Elland Road.
Cresswell has now developed into a player who is more than ready to make the jump to Premier League level, and for potentially a little over £13m, West Ham could have a bargain on their hands if they can get a deal done.
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