Charlie Cresswell left Leeds in acrimonious circumstances following a fallout with Daniel Farke.
The England U21 international questioned the German for not giving him a chance ahead of the 2023/24 campaign – following a successful 2022/23 season on loan at Millwall – despite other young talents like Mateo Joseph receiving opportunities.
Farke even questioned Cresswell’s mentality publicly, saying in January 2024: “The ball is in his court.
“We use January, you either find a solution, you want to play for a different club or you’re happy to be committed and be patient… but if you think you have the right to start ahead of (Joe) Rodon or (Pascal) Struijk, it’s not possible. He won’t be picked by myself until he’s mentally ready.”
His father Richard Cresswell also had a pop at Farke – before a £3.8m sale to Toulouse was eventually sanctioned in July 2024 to bring an end to his Leeds career before it even had a chance to take off.
However – as West Ham open talks to bring Charlie Cresswell back to England – the defender could soon get the chance to inflict the ultimate revenge on Daniel Farke.
West Ham vs Leeds United on the final day could represent a nightmarish scenario for Daniel Farke
It was Hammers News who revealed that West Ham have reopened talks to sign the 23-year-old in the winter transfer window, having admired the man born in Preston for some time.
Not only would that move itself reinforce the fact Farke made a mistake, but the fixture list could set up a truly remarkable ending to this feud.
West Ham actually host Leeds on the final day of the Premier League season, and if the Whites are yet to be safe from the drop at that point, Cresswell could play a part in relegating the man who never gave him a chance.
Truth be told, the 49-year-old might not even keep his job for that long.
Availability of Brendan Rodgers provides question marks around Daniel Farke
Leeds United News understand the 49ers currently have no plans to dismiss Farke – and are content with the club’s current position.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 16 |  LeedsLeeds | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 20 | -10 | 11 |
| 17 |  BurnleyBurnley | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 22 | -8 | 10 |
| 18 |  West HamWest Ham | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 23 | -10 | 10 |
| 19 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 20 | -10 | 9 |
| 20 |  WolvesWolves | 11 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 25 | -18 | 2 |
However, they are aware of unhappiness within the fanbase following demoralising defeats against Brighton and Nottingham Forest, and the availability of Brendan Rodgers following his departure from Celtic is said to have added another dimension to the situation.
Our Chief Correspondent has said: “Leeds aren’t ready to pull the plug. From what I’m hearing, they’re not where they hoped to be, but are okay with where they are at the moment.
“It wasn’t a great performance at Forest, and the club are aware of that, but they’re not panicking. Of course, it piles the pressure on when you have a manager like Rodgers available, but nothing has changed, and nothing is imminent.”
So, if results do not improve, Cresswell may not even get the chance to prove Farke wrong.
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