Charlie Cresswell’s name echoed across the summer transfer rumor mill, but as the dust settles on the 2025 window, the talented England youth international finds himself exactly where he wants to be: still wearing the colors of Toulouse. Despite high-profile interest from Premier League clubs Sunderland and West Ham United, the 23-year-old defender chose stability and growth in Ligue 1 over the lure of English football’s top flight. And what a journey it’s been for the Leeds academy graduate.
Cresswell’s stock soared following an outstanding 2024-2025 season in France, where he clocked up 37 appearances for Toulouse across all competitions. His performances didn’t just catch the eye of scouts; they earned him a pivotal role in England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Germany in the final. That victory, which saw England retain their continental crown, was the cherry on top of a transformative year for the young center-back.
“That’s the life of a footballer during the transfer window… I’ve heard about this interest, which came from several places in Europe,” Cresswell told La Depeche. “I tried not to pay too much attention to it, and to stay focused on what I’m doing here in Toulouse: training hard, giving my all. In the end, I’m still here, and that’s a good thing.”
Indeed, Cresswell’s resolve was tested as both Sunderland and West Ham United made their intentions clear. Sunderland, in particular, were on the hunt for defensive reinforcements, with Cresswell’s name featuring prominently on their shortlist. West Ham, meanwhile, sought to bolster their back line after selling Nayef Aguerd to Marseille, launching a late bid for the Englishman. According to reports, the Hammers proposed a loan deal with a £13 million purchase clause, but Toulouse’s sporting director Viktor Behzani stood firm, holding out for a £17 million valuation.
“Several players were indeed highly sought after, but we always discussed things transparently with them,” Behzani explained. “We understand that players have their dreams, that they aspire to play at the highest level. But if they leave, they have to go to the right club at the right time. We are very happy to have kept these players, and I believe they understand what an additional season with us can bring them, and us, as a club.”
For Cresswell, the decision to stay wasn’t a difficult one. “I don’t want to go into detail about what happened during the transfer window – but I can tell you that I didn’t need any convincing to stay. I had a great season, I met some great people, both at the club and outside. Last season, I felt like I was improving every week, right up until the summer and winning the European Under-21 Championship with England, which was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
His commitment to Toulouse is grounded in gratitude and ambition. “This club gave me an opportunity to prove my worth last season so, as long as I play for TFC, I will do it 100 per cent,” Cresswell affirmed. That level of dedication has not gone unnoticed by the French club’s hierarchy or its supporters, who have embraced the Englishman’s no-nonsense defending and leadership qualities.
While Cresswell remained in France, Sunderland turned to other targets to shore up their defense. The Black Cats secured the signings of Omar Alderete, Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Reinoldo, and Arthur Masuaku, while also extending Luke O’Nien’s contract. Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, now has a wealth of options at the back, but the missed opportunity to bring Cresswell to the Stadium of Light will surely linger, especially given his pedigree and recent success on the international stage.
West Ham, for their part, shifted gears on deadline day, ultimately signing Igor Julio from Brighton after being rebuffed in their pursuit of Cresswell and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. “As you can imagine with the window, you have to be on your toes,” West Ham manager Graham Potter said. “The opportunity for Nayef to leave was good for him and us. A possibility opened up for Igor. He’s trained really well, fitted into the group really well. He is a positive character, so we are happy [with the signing].” Potter also hinted at debuts for both Igor and Soungoutou Magassa in the upcoming derby against Tottenham Hotspur, signaling a new era for the Hammers’ defense.
The summer also saw another Ligue 1 talent, Emanuel Emegha, make the jump to the Premier League, joining Chelsea from Strasbourg—a move West Ham had also considered earlier in the window. It’s a reminder of just how competitive the market has become for Europe’s rising stars, and how fiercely clubs are fighting to secure the next big thing.
For Cresswell, though, the focus remains on development and building on last season’s momentum. His role in England’s U21 success—starting alongside Jarrell Quansah in the heart of defense during that unforgettable final against Germany—has only sharpened his hunger for more. “Last season, I felt that I was improving every week, until the summer and this European Under-21 title with England, which was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” he reflected.
The experience of winning a major international tournament, coupled with the trust placed in him by Toulouse, has forged a player ready to take on new challenges. And with Toulouse’s sporting director Behzani signaling ambitions for the club to “aspire to achieve great things,” there’s a sense that both player and club are on the cusp of something special.
As the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Cresswell to see if he can maintain his upward trajectory. Will he help Toulouse push for European qualification? Could another stellar season open the door to a future Premier League move—on his own terms? Only time will tell. For now, the young defender is content to let his football do the talking, determined to repay the faith shown in him and add more chapters to his burgeoning career.
With the transfer window closed and speculation put to bed, Charlie Cresswell’s focus is unwavering: lead from the back, improve every day, and chase new heights with Toulouse. The next act in his promising story is just beginning, and it promises to keep fans on both sides of the Channel watching closely.
