Leeds United defied expectations to survive in the Premier League and finished 14th in the final standings in the 2025/26 season. After a turbulent campaign that saw them battle against relegation for much of the year, the Whites showed remarkable resilience in the final months, securing their top-flight status with several crucial victories.
The club are now working towards improving their squad for next season, and are keen to bring in upgrades in several areas of their squad in the upcoming transfer window. With the summer market now open, Leeds hierarchy have identified defensive reinforcements as a priority area to build a more competitive side capable of pushing for a top-half finish.
Leeds are focused on improving their defence and are likely to bring in at least one senior centre-back amid talk of Pascal Struijk leaving the club ahead of next season. The Dutch defender has been linked with a move away, potentially leaving a significant gap in the heart of the backline that needs addressing urgently.
However, there will be a tinge of regret at Leeds about the potential return of a former academy star to the Premier League this summer, as he could have been the ideal solution for the Whites.
Fabrizio Romano confirms the potential return of Charlie Cresswell to the Premier League
Charlie Cresswell has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe since leaving Leeds. His performances in Toulouse have turned heads in England, with consistent displays that highlight his aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities at the back.
Brighton have been interested in signing the former Leeds defender, and even tabled a bid worth up to £20m in the winter transfer window. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Seagulls are still interested in signing the centre-back in the summer and are pushing to explore a deal.
“Brighton remain keen on Charlie Cresswell and they will try again this summer,” Romano revealed in his latest update. The England Under-21 international has continued to impress in France, and it is seen as a matter of time before he returns to England and the Premier League.
However, the French club are not prepared to sell him for a knockdown fee. Toulouse have further raised their price for the defender since the winter window, now reportedly demanding in the region of £25-30 million for the 23-year-old. This valuation reflects his growth into a reliable starter in Ligue 1 and his potential to become a top Premier League performer.
Brighton or any other Premier League club who are keen to sign Cresswell will have to shell out a considerable fee to sign the defender this summer. Several other clubs, including Crystal Palace, Wolves, and newly-promoted sides, have also been monitoring the situation closely according to sources close to the player.
Leeds must get into the mix
The lack of opportunities under Daniel Farke pushed Cresswell to move on from Leeds after having impressive loan spells in the Championship. During his time at Elland Road, the academy graduate showed glimpses of his potential but struggled to secure a regular starting spot, particularly after the arrival of new defensive options and Farke’s preference for a more experienced backline.
At Toulouse, he has proved his mettle, developing into a commanding centre-back who excels in building play from the back. His reading of the game, combined with strong tackling and set-piece threat, makes him a complete modern defender. In the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, Cresswell made over 35 appearances, contributing crucial goals and clean sheets that helped Toulouse maintain their mid-table position.
He should have received more opportunities when he was at Leeds under Farke. Many Leeds fans still believe that with patience and trust, Cresswell could have become a long-term pillar at the club, much like how other academy products have thrived elsewhere.
Leeds are in the market for a centre-back, and Cresswell is exactly the profile of defender Leeds are keen to sign in the upcoming transfer window. At 23 years old, he represents excellent value with high upside. His familiarity with the club, knowledge of the Premier League’s physical demands from his earlier loans, and connection with the fanbase would make a return a seamless transition.
Bringing him back would not only strengthen the squad tactically but also serve as a positive signal to the supporters about the club’s commitment to developing and retaining homegrown talent. However, Farke and Cresswell would have to mend their differences for any fairytale return to become a reality. Reports suggest there were some tensions regarding playing time and tactical fit during his final months at the club.
And it seems unclear whether the young defender is ready to return to Elland Road when he has clubs with European football chasing him. Brighton, in particular, offer a pathway to Europa League football and a progressive style under their coaching staff that could suit Cresswell’s ball-playing abilities perfectly.
Cresswell’s journey: From Leeds academy to European prospect
Charlie Cresswell joined Leeds United’s academy at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks. Known for his maturity beyond his years, he made his senior debut during the club’s Premier League campaigns and featured prominently in their Championship title-winning squad in previous seasons. His loan spells at clubs like Birmingham City and other Championship sides showcased his ability to perform under pressure in competitive environments.
Upon joining Toulouse in 2024, many questioned whether moving abroad so early in his career was the right decision. However, the gamble has paid off handsomely. Playing regularly in a different league has accelerated his tactical awareness and adaptability. Scouts from across Europe have praised his positional sense and ability to win duels both on the ground and in the air.
England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley has also been impressed, regularly calling him up and giving him captaincy duties in recent matches. This international recognition further boosts his profile ahead of a potential big-money move.
Why Cresswell would be perfect for Leeds’ needs
Leeds’ defensive record in the 2025/26 season was far from ideal, conceding too many goals from set-pieces and struggling with ball progression from the back. Cresswell’s attributes directly address these weaknesses. Standing at 6’3″, he dominates aerial battles and brings physicality that complements the current defensive unit.
Moreover, his passing range would fit well into a possession-based system that Farke prefers. Unlike some of the more expensive targets linked with Leeds, Cresswell understands the club’s culture and the intensity of matches at Elland Road. A return could ignite his career at the highest level while providing Leeds with a ready-made solution without the lengthy adaptation period foreign signings often require.
Financially, while the fee has risen, Leeds could potentially structure a deal with performance-related add-ons and sell-on clauses that protect their investment. This approach has worked well for the club in previous windows.
The broader transfer context for Leeds
As the summer transfer window heats up, Leeds are expected to be active. Beyond centre-backs, midfield reinforcements and attacking options are also on the agenda. However, the defensive department remains the most urgent. With potential departures like Struijk, the need for quality depth is clear.
Competing with Brighton for Cresswell’s signature will not be easy. The Seagulls have a strong track record of developing young talents and providing them with European exposure. Yet, the emotional pull of returning to his boyhood club could play a decisive factor if Leeds make a serious push.
Fabrizio Romano’s update has certainly added fuel to the speculation. With many Premier League clubs now scouting Ligue 1 heavily, the battle for Cresswell’s services could become one of the more intriguing sagas of the summer.
Ultimately, whether Charlie Cresswell returns to Leeds United or takes his talents to another Premier League outfit remains to be seen. What is certain is that the defender is destined for success at the highest level. For Leeds fans, seeing their former academy star flourish elsewhere will sting, especially if he thrives against them in the future.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Leeds must decide whether to enter the race or focus on alternative targets. One thing is for sure – missing out on Cresswell twice would be a bitter pill for the Elland Road faithful to swallow.
