Charlie Cresswell has admitted he has had a ‘couple of options’ to leave Leeds United this summer.
Cresswell was speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Leeds United Podcast after signing a new long-term extension at Elland Road earlier this week.
The 20-year-old is set for a breakthrough campaign at Leeds this year as he looks to force his way into establishing himself as one of Daniel Farke’s first choice centre-backs in the Championship.
Cresswell has already proven he has what it takes to be a success at this level, having enjoyed a productive season-long-loan spell at Millwall in 2022/23.
However, it wasn’t all plain-sailing for Cresswell during his time in the capital, with the first half of the campaign proving particularly difficult.
Cresswell admits he had a ‘couple of options’ before signing new Leeds deal
Following a change to a back-four, Cresswell found himself out of the starting XI for a prolonged period at Millwall before the turn of the new year, and Leeds were close to recalling him.
That led to receiving interest in a permanent deal from Stoke City, though thankfully that never went through and he is now ready to make an impact at Leeds.
He said: “Summer has been pretty hectic to be fair with that eye socket injury. Trying to get fit for the Euros. I got fit but had to wear that mask that did my head in. I had a couple of options and it was a bit uncertain, but for me there was never that option to leave.
“I wanted to achieve the dream of what I’ve wanted since I was a little boy, that’s to play for Leeds United with the number five on the back of my shirt.”
Handing him a new four-year deal is a huge show of faith from Leeds that they believe he has what it takes to make an impact this season.
Leeds have lost Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Max Wober at centre-back this summer and though the addition of a new one is set to be targeted, Cresswell’s chance is now at Elland Road.
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