Leeds United’s decision to allow talented defender Charlie Cresswell to leave has helped the youngster thrive after he joined Toulouse in the French Ligue 1.
Charlie Cresswell broke into Leeds’ first-team squad under former head coach Marcelo Bielsa, making his debut in September 2020.
However, Cresswell found his opportunities with the club limited under head coach Daniel Farke and left Leeds on a permanent deal in July 2024.
Having joined Toulouse in a deal worth £3.8 million, the former Leeds man has impressed in Ligue 1, earning rave reviews after Cresswell scored in the 4-0 win over Metz.
Now, Cresswell has been praised for going from “strength to strength” following his Elland Road exit, as he continues to be linked with a £15 million return to the Premier League.
Charlie Cresswell is going from ‘strength to strength’ at Toulouse
Speaking on the Square Ball, player agent Hayden Evans, who works closely with Cresswell’s father and fellow agent, Richard Cresswell, praised Cresswell for his development following his move to the south of France.
According to Evans, Cresswell is fulfilling his father’s prediction that he would thrive following his exit from Elland Road.
Evans said: “Charlie’s ripping it up in Toulouse. All power to his dad again, you know, as an agent and definitely as a father in that situation, because it’s like the first time away from home, you’re moving him to France.
“So, you know, Richard predicted that this would happen, that he’d go from strength to strength, and he could deal with it. As a dad, he knew whether he could deal with it or not, and he’s dealt with it brilliantly.”
Asked how Charlie was settling into life in France, Evans added: “He’s learned [French]. He’s not just sat there, waiting for his Yorkshire puddings on a Sunday. So he’s endeared himself to the club and the fans.”
Leeds United may regret not including buy-back option in Charlie Cresswell deal
With Cresswell in impressive form at Toulouse, Premier League clubs, most notably Everton, are beginning to circle the English talent.
Although Leeds will benefit from the deal, having included a 15% sell-on clause in Cresswell’s sale, the club may regret not including a buy-back clause in his contract to give them first refusal on the rising star.
Charlie Cresswell in Ligue 1 this season: (Data from FotMob)
- Appearances: 9
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 1
- Duels Won: 51
- Blocked Shots: 14
- Recoveries: 30
- Average Rating: 7.07
Leeds spent a total of £20 million on central defenders in the summer transfer window, with Sebastiaan Bornauw still waiting for his first Premier League appearance.
Cresswell may have needed to leave Elland Road to play the regular football he needed at this stage in his career. But with his star firmly on the rise, Leeds may live to regret not having the option to bring him back to the club.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
