French Ligue 1 club Toulouse have firmly rejected two significant bids for their defender Charlie Cresswell, who has emerged as a major target for several Premier League sides during this transfer window.
Substantial Offers Turned Down
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Toulouse have declined proposals from both Brighton & Hove Albion and German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg for the 23-year-old centre-back. Brighton submitted a bid worth approximately £20.9 million (€24 million), while Wolfsburg improved their previous offer to around £21.7 million (€25 million package).
Crystal Palace have now entered the picture, requesting comprehensive details about the potential deal. However, Toulouse's current position appears clear – they want to retain Cresswell until at least the summer transfer window.
London Clubs Circle the Defender
The English defender, who joined Toulouse from Leeds United eighteen months ago in the summer of 2024, has developed into a crucial player for the French outfit. His performances have attracted attention from multiple London-based Premier League clubs.
West Ham United maintain their interest after failing to secure his signature late in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Chelsea have reportedly scouted the player, and Tottenham Hotspur are also tracking the former Leeds United man's progress.
Summer Move More Likely
Recent developments suggest any transfer for Cresswell will probably occur during the summer window rather than this January. David Ornstein of The Athletic previously indicated that Toulouse were unlikely to consider offers this month, describing a sale as doubtful.
Cresswell's credentials are impressive – he was part of England's triumphant Under-21 European Championship squad last summer, playing every minute of the tournament and earning selection for the team of the tournament after England's victory over Germany in the final.
Leadership Qualities and Background
The defender is known for his vocal presence on the pitch and natural leadership qualities. In an interview with Henry Winter last summer, Cresswell explained how these traits developed from his upbringing.
"It's the way I've been brought up," Cresswell said. "It was drilled in me since I was first starting football. Mainly by my dad and my mum. I've got three younger siblings so being the oldest child plays its part. I'm the one they should be looking up to so it's just trying to set an example for everyone."
He added: "My dad always taught me that speaking will help me. So I speak and it helps others, but it also helps me. It helps make my job a lot easier. And if that comes off in a leadership manner then it is what it is."
Cresswell previously spent time on loan with Millwall, giving him valuable experience in English football before his move to France. With Toulouse determined to keep him until summer and multiple Premier League clubs monitoring his situation, the coming months promise further developments in this transfer saga.
