It is more than a year now since Charlie Cresswell was sold by Daniel Farke and Leeds United to Ligue 1 side Toulouse, and for the defender, the rest is history.
Cresswell has been immense since his move to Toulouse, but it would never have happened had Daniel Farke given the centre-back a chance. Farke was appointed Leeds manager back in the summer of 2023.
In the same summer, Cresswell returned to Leeds after an impressive loan at Millwall in which he scored five goals in 30 appearances. Relegation meant a heap of Leeds youngsters had a chance to break in.
Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt, Mateo Joseph, and others fancied their chances. But Cresswell would only go on to play seven times that season, with Farke questioning Cresswell’s attitude publicly in a press conference.
Charlie Cresswell in action for Toulouse.
Photo by VALENTINE CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images
Charlie Cresswell picked in European TOTW after Toulouse form
Cresswell decided to jump ship at Leeds and made the surprise move to Toulouse, and he hasn’t looked back. He’s starred in France, enjoying a solid first year before winning the U21 European Championships.
Already, Cresswell has 10 goals and assists for Toulouse. This season, he’s netted three goals, including one against Champions League winners PSG in a 6-3 loss. Now, Cresswell’s form has been recognised.
SofaScore have picked their October Team of the Month from Europe’s top-five divisions. Alongside Cresswell, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Bruno Guimaraes and Nico Schlotterbeck were all included.
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Charlie Cresswell’s frustration with Daniel Farke remains
As aforementioned, Cresswell would never have left Leeds had Farke given him a run in the team. But having ostracised the England U21 defender, Cresswell felt he had no choice but to seek a move.
Since being in France, Cresswell has sent a few digs towards Farke. Even recently, Cresswell said that age doesn’t matter in France and if you are good enough, you play. He says that is different back in England.
Cresswell’s form has been so good that other Premier League clubs are considering moves. Everton and others are said to be taking a look with a fee likely to be far higher than the £3.8m Leeds received.