Charlie Cresswell appeared to be a potential star for Leeds United, but he left for Toulouse, a French team, due to a lack of playing time.
Cresswell, a Leeds United academy graduate, made 14 appearances for the LUFC first team in all competitions over four years before securing a summer transfer to the Ligue 1 squad for about £4 million.
Cresswell was prepared to be a key member of the team after a successful loan stint at Millwall in the 2022–2023 season, during which he scored four goals in 28 games, and after the Whites were relegated to the Championship that same season.
The centre-back wasn’t high in Daniel Farke’s plans though, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon starting the majority of games. Cresswell spent much of the year as an unused substitute, sitting on the bench in 13 of the final 15 league matches and only finding action with the U21s.
The academy graduate had signed a new four-year deal in August 2023, committing to Leeds United until the summer of 2027. However, he only featured in just five Championship matches and two EFL Cup fixtures for the Yorkshire side during the 2023/24 season, which ultimately led to his departure from Elland Road.
A mistake made by LUFC
Leeds United are on course to make their return to the Premier League as they sit top of the Championship table with eight games left to play.
There’s no denying that Struijk, Ethan Ampadu and Rodon are superb defensive options for Farke, yet looking at how Cresswell has performed not only since joining Toulouse but during his time at Millwall begs the question that Leeds should’ve kept hold of him.
If the Whites can secure promotion to the Premier League, they will need to strengthen, and do it differently compared to the last time they were relegated. The England U21 international would have been an excellent defender to have at their disposal, and Elland Road would have loved to see a homegrown talent playing week in week out.
It is a mistake that the club can use as a lesson in the future for developing talent in the academy who are clearly good enough to make the step up.
Cresswell is making a name for himself
It is always a risk for a young player to move abroad and play their football overseas instead of in their home country, but Cresswell has adapted phenomenally.
The former LUFC man has made 27 appearances across all competitions in France and has scored three times for Toulouse. The Ligue 1 club sit 10th in the top-flight and have the joint-third best defensive record in the division, which is a testament to the quality the central defender possesses.
If Cresswell continues to progress, then there’s every chance a call-up to the senior England squad is on the horizon and even a move to the Premier League isn’t off the table. Only time will tell exactly how much Leeds United will live to regret their decision.
