AliousSunderland Eye £8m Ligue 1 Star Who Could Outshine Tanganga in Premier League Survival Push**
Sunderland’s first summer transfer window back in the Premier League has seen both highs and lows. While the club has waved goodbye to key young talents like Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson, the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fée has at least offered cause for optimism. Still, head coach Régis Le Bris is keen on bolstering the squad further—particularly in defence—as the club prepares to face the massive leap in competition.
According to *Jeunes Footeux*, one of the key names on Sunderland’s radar is former Leeds United defender **Charlie Cresswell**, currently impressing in France with **Toulouse**. The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1, making 31 appearances, keeping nine clean sheets, and even scoring four goals thanks to his towering 6ft 3in presence in both boxes.
Cresswell fits Le Bris’ profile of a young but experienced player who has already performed at a top level. His time at Leeds during their Premier League stint, followed by his successful spell in France, makes him a compelling candidate for Sunderland’s backline.
Sunderland have also been linked with Japhet Tanganga of Millwall, but while the ex-Spurs defender might come at a cheaper £1.2m, Cresswell is being touted as a superior option—even at a projected £8m fee. Tanganga did manage 14 clean sheets in the Championship last season, but he played significantly more games than Cresswell and offered less attacking threat. Cresswell also outperformed him in key defensive metrics, averaging 7.6 duels won per game during his loan at Millwall in 2022–23, compared to Tanganga’s 5.8 this past season.
Currently representing England at the U21 Euros, Cresswell is rubbing shoulders with Premier League peers like Harvey Elliott and Elliot Anderson—a clear sign of his potential. With proven capability in both the English and French top flights, and described as “outstanding” by Leeds pundit Joe Wainman, Cresswell could be just what Sunderland need.
If the Black Cats are willing to splash a little more cash, the deal could prove a smart long-term investment—adding steel, aerial dominance, and goal threat to a squad desperate to stay afloat in the top tier.
Alious
