The Leeds United academy product was linked with a Premier League move in the summer having starred for the England U-21s and impressed at French side Toulouse
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:23, 30 Oct 2025
Charlie Cresswell
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Charlie Cresswell(Image: Sylvain Dionisio ATPImages/Getty Images)
Charlie Cresswell has gone from strength to strength at Toulouse. The centre-back took the step to try pastures new abroad upon leaving Leeds United last year.
He has since become a regular Ligue 1 starter and this, combined with his success with England’s Under-21s at this summer age-group European Championships, had prompted links with a return to UK shores this summer.
In Cresswell’s mind, though, he was not disappointed that a move back to his homeland did not come to fruition. "I don't want to go into detail about what happened during the transfer window - but I can tell you that I didn't need any convincing to stay,” he insisted in September.
Cresswell, now 23, only played 14 senior games for Leeds, but he could still hand his former club a financial boost, should he move on before his Toulouse contract expires in 2028.
Upon selling him for around £3.8million, United are said to have inserted a sell-on clause that says the Whites receive 15% of anything above that fee. Figures north of £10m were touted in the summer, so Leeds could be in for a nice windfall.
If he was moved on before June 30, that money could then be used towards United’s current PSR window, with the club currently maxed out on transfer spending. Of course, Cresswell’s value has increased given the game time he has been given.
Cresswell played seven times under Daniel Farke, though 180 of his 317 minutes under the German came in League Cup matches. Since moving to France, the defender has played 44 times, 42 of which have been starts.
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His recent form has impressed too, with three goals (including one against Paris Saint-Germain) and an assist in 10 league games so far, with three clean sheets also registered.
Cresswell believes there is a difference in the perception of young players in France compared to England. Speaking to French outlet Footballlogue, he said: "For young foreign players, I think it's a great time to come to France and play in Ligue 1.
“Here, many clubs trust young players. Coaches have no problem playing young players. No problem at all.
“Whereas in England, it’s harder to break into the first team because they really see you as a ‘kid’ at 18, 19, or 20 years old... In France, if they think a player is good enough, he will play. He’ll be given opportunities and full confidence.
"As a result, the player feels incredibly good, which can only be beneficial for himself, but also for the club."
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