Youngster Charlie Cresswell could be on the move this summer after just one year at Toulouse – could he come back to Elland Road?
After struggling for consistent first-team opportunities at Leeds, a permanent transfer to the French Ligue 1 side last summer was seen as a way for Cresswell to gain valuable experience.
The 22-year-old had a breakthrough spell under coach Carles Novell at Toulouse, playing in 31 league games. Cresswell dominated when it came to aerial duels and became a key part of Toulouse’s defence.
Cresswell has also since captained the England U21s and has been praised for his performances.
His impressive form has since caught the attention of numerous clubs, but would he come back to Leeds United?
Charlie Cresswell playing for Leeds United.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds United should monitor Charlie Cresswell’s situation
Cresswell made the switch from formative club Leeds United to Toulouse for a reported £3.8 million last summer and has since excelled, seeing his market value now skyrocket to an estimated £18 million.
Toulouse’s sporting director, Viktor Bezhani, has responded to the rumours Cresswell is attracting attention from elsewhere in an interview with L’Equipe, “It isn’t a secret, if a good offer arrives, we’ll have a look at it.”
This openness to a sale creates a clear path for Leeds United to consider a sensational return. While Leeds have a 15% sell-on clause from his original transfer, that clause would become irrelevant if they were to re-sign him.
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The sell-on clause only applies when Toulouse sell him to a third club, not when his original club re-acquires him.
Therefore, for Leeds, a potential £18 million move for Cresswell is not just about a player who is already familiar with the club. It’s about a strategic investment in a player who has proven his worth at a high level and whose value has multiplied since leaving Elland Road.
Charlie Cresswell playing for Toulouse.
Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP via Getty Images
How Charlie Cresswell would fit in back at Leeds United
With Cresswell’s 6’3″ frame, he would fit seamlessly into Leeds United’s current transfer strategy. This summer, the club has clearly prioritised bringing in physically imposing players, with several new signings standing over six feet tall.
Anton Stach is 6ft 4in, Jaka Bijol is 6ft 3in, Sebastiaan Bornauw is 6ft 3in, and Lukas Nmecha is 6ft 1in. Additionally, Lucas Perri, the new goalkeeper, is also 6ft 5in.
Contributions Statistics
Aerial duels won 99
Aerial duels won % 66.4%
Interceptions 28
Recoveries 103
Accurate long balls 65
Shots 32
Cresswell’s statistics 2024/2025 season, via FotMob.
Cresswell’s height makes him a dominant force in aerial duels, a crucial asset for a team looking to defend against set-pieces and long balls in the top flight.
Beyond his physical attributes, his time at Toulouse has shown his development into a more complete defender. He’s not just a physical presence; his three goals in Ligue 1 demonstrate his threat on attacking set-pieces as well.
Cresswell has credited Leeds for his mentality in the past, meaning he’d fit in well coming back into the club’s culture, allowing him to integrate quickly.
A return to Elland Road would provide Daniel Farke with a formidable and proven defensive option who fits the exact profile the club has been targeting.