Former Leeds United Defender on Everton’s Radar as Half the Premier League Take Notice
Leeds United may have parted ways with defender Charlie Cresswell, but the talented centre-back is once again making headlines — this time due to growing interest from Premier League clubs, including Everton. Leeds United News has received exclusive insight into the player’s current situation, as Cresswell’s impressive form in France continues to attract widespread attention both in England and across Europe.
Leeds’ Talent Factory Continues to Produce Stars
Leeds United’s academy at Thorp Arch has long been recognized as one of the most productive development systems in English football. The club’s youth ranks have produced a string of international players over the years — from the likes of James Milner and Aaron Lennon to more recent stars such as Kalvin Phillips. The next generation, which includes Archie and Harry Gray, shows similar promise.
Among the many names nurtured through the Leeds setup is Charlie Cresswell, who joined the club’s academy as a young boy and spent over a decade developing through the ranks. While his senior career at Leeds didn’t reach the heights he hoped for, the club undeniably played a key role in shaping his early career.
Cresswell’s Journey From Elland Road to Ligue 1
Despite his strong performances in Leeds’ youth sides — where he captained several age groups — Cresswell managed just 14 first-team appearances before being sold to Toulouse in the summer of 2024. The move marked a fresh start for the 23-year-old defender, who had expressed his desire to play more regularly, something that never materialized in West Yorkshire.
Since joining the French Ligue 1 side, Cresswell has made an immediate impact, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most dependable defenders. His development has been so rapid that he is now being linked with a move back to the Premier League — and not just by one club.
Everton Among Several Premier League Clubs Monitoring Cresswell
According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, interest in Cresswell has skyrocketed in recent months. Bailey revealed:
“Half the Premier League is looking at him now. He’s having a very good time of it in France. He also had a brilliant Euros, which I think was a big thing for him. You saw that he marked [Nick] Woltemade out of the final. Everton are aware of him, too.”
Bailey’s comments suggest that Cresswell’s strong showing at the European Under-21 Championship further raised his profile. He was praised for his defensive performance in the final, where he successfully neutralized one of Germany’s top attacking threats.
In addition to Everton, West Ham United were reportedly keen on the former Leeds man during the latter stages of the summer transfer window, though no move materialized. Liverpool have also been credited with interest, while The Athletic‘s David Ornstein previously reported that Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are tracking his progress as well.
What a Future Transfer Could Mean Financially for Leeds United
Although Leeds fans were frustrated to see Cresswell depart for just £3.8 million, the club cleverly included a 15% sell-on clause in the deal with Toulouse — which could now prove financially beneficial.
Toulouse are believed to be open to selling Cresswell as early as January, especially if bids in the region of £18 million materialize, which is what they reportedly value the centre-back at. Should such a transfer occur, Leeds would be entitled to a significant slice of the fee, providing them with vital flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).
Football finance analyst Adam Williams explained how a sale of that magnitude could boost Leeds’ financial standing:
“A fee like that gives Leeds £2.7 million towards their bottom line, which gives them £2.7 million more PSR capacity. In a sense, that could, for example, be used to sign a £13.5 million player on a five-year amortised deal at Elland Road.”
That extra headroom could be crucial as Leeds continue to rebuild their squad and aim for promotion back to the Premier League.
A Missed Opportunity or a Smart Business Move?
Cresswell’s rise abroad highlights both the strength of Leeds’ academy and the difficult decisions clubs face when managing emerging talent. While some fans still view his departure as a misstep, the financial upside of a future sale — coupled with the player’s need for regular first-team football — paints a more balanced picture.
Regardless of where Cresswell ends up next — be it Everton, West Ham, or a surprise European suitor — his progress is a reminder of Leeds United’s enduring legacy of talent development, and their continued involvement in shaping football careers, even after players leave Elland Road.