Charlie Cresswell might have been frustrated at Leeds United when Daniel Farke decided to sell him but it has proved to be a brilliant move for the defender, and arguably Farke’s biggest Leeds mistake.
To be fair to Farke, he hasn’t got a lot wrong at Leeds. The German gaffer has returned Leeds to the Premier League despite inheriting a mess after relegation, securing the most-points ever in Leeds’ history.
His work in the transfer window has been phenomenal. While he might have liked more but was stopped by Leeds’ PSR position, Farke has brought in some top players on the cheap, Ao Tanaka for example.
In the Premier League, Farke has blown away constant criticism, doubts over his Premier League ability and even question marks over his job. However, there is one glaring mistake, and it is Charlie Cresswell.
Charlie Cresswell celebrates scoring for England's U21 side against Azerbaijan.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Charlie Cresswell reaches 10 goals and assists for Toulouse
It has been a brilliant 12 months for Cresswell. Starring for Toulouse after leaving Leeds for less than £4m in the summer of 2024, the defender has become a mainstay for the Ligue 1 side, playing 44 times.
He also starred for England at the U21 Championships, winning his second tournament with Lee Carsley’s side. On Wednesday night, Farke’s mistake in letting Cresswell go was laid bare again as Cresswell scored.
Cresswell scored his third goal of the season as Toulouse came from behind to draw 2-2 with Rennes, his seventh goal in Toulouse colours and incredibly, his tenth goal involvement since leaving Elland Road.
Cresswell’s form since joining Toulouse:
Games Mins Wins Goals Assists CS Mins per G+A
44 3750 17 7 3 14 375.0
Why Charlie Cresswell was shunned by Daniel Farke at Leeds
Farke prides himself on being a manager that gives young players a chance. Mateo Joseph, Archie Gray, Sam Chambers, Charlie Crew and Harry Gray have benefitted from Farke’s willingness to trust youngsters.
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After relegation in 2023, players like Joseph and Gray were expected to come into the side, with Leeds offloading a heap of players. Cresswell was another, after a very impressive loan spell at Millwall.
Charlie Cresswell scores for Toulouse against Rennes.
Photo by ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images
But Cresswell managed just seven appearances for Leeds that season. Farke questioned his attitude publicly after Cresswell bemoaned his lack of game time. Even father, Richard, had grown frustrated.
By the summer of 2024, bridges had been burnt and with Joe Rodon signing permanently and Max Wober returning instead of being sold, Cresswell was sold to Toulouse. He’s since sparkled in France.
Arguably, one of the most-impressive Englishman currently playing abroad. So much so, that Premier League clubs like Everton are looking at £15m-rated Cresswell. Toulouse have a gem, thanks to Farke.