Former Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell has adapted well to life in France since his summer move to Toulouse.
However, the circumstances surrounding his departure from Elland Road have raised questions, with his agent, Hayden Evans, offering insights into the transfer.
Cresswell, who came through the Leeds academy, was sold to the Ligue 1 side for £3.8m after failing to secure regular game time under Daniel Farke. Despite impressing during a loan spell at Millwall in the 2022/23 season, the 22-year-old struggled to break into the starting XI at Leeds, with Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Ethan Ampadu ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Writing on the Wall
Evans, speaking on The Square Ball podcast, shed light on the reasons behind the transfer. Cresswell had returned to Leeds with high expectations following their relegation to the Championship but made only seven appearances in all competitions last season. The lack of opportunities signalled that his future lay elsewhere.
“Cressie is the weird one. In most people’s opinions, he’s that sort of centre-back that should be on the bench right now, possibly, that they would have been a part to play. But then you’ve got a situation of, well, he’s clearly not fancied because other people were getting in front of him. So the writing was totally on the wall,” Evans said.
Evans revealed that once interest from other clubs was expressed, Leeds swiftly facilitated the transfer. “When we tested the club by saying, we might have some interest and the club go fine, this is how much we want, it’s done. There’s no going back from that,” he added.
A Promising Start Abroad
Since joining Toulouse, Cresswell has made 10 starts and two substitute appearances. His performances have helped the French side secure four wins in their last six matches, underlining his potential and ability to adapt to a new league. The former England Under-21 international’s development continues to draw attention as he settles into life in Ligue 1.
Cresswell’s journey highlights the challenges young players face when trying to establish themselves in competitive squads. For Leeds, his departure underscores the difficult decisions clubs must make to balance immediate needs with long-term potential.
Writer’s View
While Cresswell’s departure may seem abrupt, it reflects the competitive environment at Leeds United, where players must consistently prove their value. His successful transition to Toulouse indicates that the move could be a win-win for both player and club. For Leeds, however, losing a homegrown talent like Cresswell could be seen as a missed opportunity if he continues to thrive abroad.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
