AliousSunderland Eye Shock Move for Ex-Leeds Defender Charlie Cresswell in Deal Topping €10M
Sunderland’s defensive recruitment drive is showing no signs of slowing down, with fresh reports linking the newly promoted Premier League side to former Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell.
The Black Cats have made bolstering their backline a top priority as they gear up for life in the top flight, and their latest target is a player who only left English football last year.
According to Jeunes Footeux via The 72, Sunderland are interested in signing the 22-year-old from Toulouse — just a year after he made the switch from Leeds for €4.5m.
The report adds that this isn’t the first time Sunderland have considered Cresswell. In 2023, while he was on loan at Millwall, the club reportedly weighed up a potential move.
Now, after a strong debut season in France’s top tier, they may finally make their approach.
Cresswell enjoyed a solid 2024-25 campaign, making 31 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse — 29 of those as a starter — and contributing with three goals, one assist, and nine clean sheets.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he’s currently shining for England at the U21 European Championship, delivering standout displays against both the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
The young defender’s current market value stands at around €10m (£8.5m) according to Transfermarkt, but reports suggest any deal would likely exceed that figure due to his contract status and consistent performances.
Sunderland are also reportedly tracking other defensive reinforcements, including Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers, Lyon’s Duje Ćaleta-Car, and Millwall’s Japhet Tanganga.
While it’s still early in the window, Cresswell’s blend of youth, top-flight experience, and familiarity with English football could make him an ideal long-term investment as the club builds for Premier League survival.
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