West Ham eye England U21 star Charlie Cresswell


West Ham eye England U21 star Charlie Cresswell

West Ham Reignite Interest in England U21 Star Charlie Cresswell

West Ham United have reportedly reignited their interest in promising England U21 defender Charlie Cresswell, with a potential move back to English football being eyed for 2026. The 23-year-old center-back has been making significant waves since his transfer to Toulouse in the summer of 2024, catching the attention of several clubs across Europe.

Cresswell's Impressive Journey from Leeds to Ligue 1 Stardom

Charlie Cresswell's career trajectory has seen a remarkable acceleration since he left Leeds United. After playing just 135 minutes of Championship football for Leeds, he made an immediate impact upon his move to Toulouse in the summer of 2024, becoming an instant starter for the French side. Over the past 15 months, he has accumulated 46 appearances for the club, demonstrating his versatile capabilities by scoring seven goals and providing three assists.

His consistency has been a highlight, featuring in all but three of Toulouse’s Ligue 1 games last season. This impressive form has carried directly into the ongoing 2025/26 campaign, where he has played every single minute of their first 12 matches. During this period, Cresswell has already contributed three goals and one assist, underscoring his value not just defensively but also as an attacking threat. Toulouse's current standing at 10th in the Ligue 1 table, coupled with losing only once in their last six games and conceding 16 goals in their opening 12 matches, highlights the defensive solidity he brings to the team.

Key Role in England U21 Euros Triumph

Cresswell's impact isn't limited to club football. He played a crucial role in the England U21s' triumph at the Euros this summer, contributing significantly to Lee Carsley’s side successfully defending their title. His standout performances throughout the tournament earned him a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament.

A testament to his defensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure came in the final, where he effectively marshaled Newcastle’s record signing, Nick Woltemade. This instrumental performance helped England’s U21s secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Germany’s U21s after extra time. Overall, Cresswell boasts a commendable record for the England U21 side, having scored three goals in 36 appearances.

Playing Style Draws Thiago Silva Comparisons

Due to his stellar rise and consistent high-level performances, Charlie Cresswell has drawn comparisons to the revered former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain defender, Thiago Silva. These comparisons stem from their similar playing styles and Cresswell's significant threat within the penalty box, suggesting a player who is both defensively resolute and capable of contributing offensively during set-pieces or attacking plays.

Meanwhile, West Ham United's own season has seen its share of ups and downs. The London Stadium side endured a turbulent start to the Premier League campaign, leading to a managerial change with Nuno Espirito Santo replacing Graham Potter just five games in. However, the team has recently found a more positive rhythm, registering their first back-to-back wins of the season against Newcastle and Burnley, indicating a hopeful turn in their fortunes as they eye future reinforcements like Cresswell.

Charlie Cresswell's Career Milestones

Team/Context Role/Performance Notable Stats
Leeds United Pre-Toulouse 135 minutes Championship football
Toulouse (Overall) Key defender, Instant starter 46 appearances, 7 goals, 3 assists
Toulouse (2025/26) Undisputed starter Played every minute (12 games), 3 goals, 1 assist
England U21 European Champion, Team of the Tournament 36 appearances, 3 goals

Frequently Asked Questions About Charlie Cresswell's Future

  • What is Charlie Cresswell's current club and league?
    Charlie Cresswell currently plays for Toulouse in France's Ligue 1, having joined them from Leeds United in the summer of 2024.
  • Which Premier League club is interested in him?
    West Ham United have reignited their interest in Cresswell, with other English clubs also reportedly keen on a potential move for the defender in 2026.
  • How has Cresswell performed since moving to France?
    He has been exceptionally impressive, making 46 appearances, scoring 7 goals, and providing 3 assists. In the current 2025/26 season, he's played every minute of their 12 league games, adding 3 goals and 1 assist.
  • What are his achievements with the England U21 team?
    Cresswell played a pivotal role in England U21s' Euros triumph this summer and was named in the Team of the Tournament, demonstrating his strong international credentials.
  • Why is Cresswell being compared to Thiago Silva?
    He has earned comparisons to Thiago Silva due to their similar playing styles and his notable threat in the penalty box, highlighting his dual defensive and offensive capabilities.

As the 2026 transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Charlie Cresswell to see if West Ham, or another interested Premier League side, can secure the services of this highly-rated England U21 talent.

West Ham eye England U21 star Charlie Cresswell

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