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Leeds United Eye £2m Windfall as West Ham Plot Move for Ex-Whites Defender Charlie Cresswell
Leeds United may be set to profit from a developing transfer saga, with former defender Charlie Cresswell attracting strong interest from Premier League side West Ham United.
The Whites, who sold Cresswell to Toulouse last summer for £3.8 million, included a 15% sell-on clause in the deal potentially entitling them to a tidy sum if the French club decides to cash in.
Now, a year after his exit, the 21-year-old centre-back is back in the spotlight. West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee reports that the London club is “seriously interested” in signing Cresswell, who qualifies as a homegrown player an increasingly valuable asset in today’s market.
Cresswell’s stock has risen sharply following an impressive campaign with England’s U21s, where he played a pivotal role in their successful European Championship campaign. His strong form for Toulouse in Ligue 1 has also drawn attention from Serie A clubs, with past links valuing him at around €20 million (£17m).
Should a fee in that region materialise, Leeds could pocket close to £2 million from their clause.
While Leeds have since bolstered their centre-back options bringing in Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw Cresswell’s potential Premier League return could prove bittersweet.
The club made the tough call to part ways with their academy product amidst financial pressures and a fractured relationship between Cresswell and manager Daniel Farke.
Although there were doubts over whether Cresswell could thrive abroad, his development in France has silenced many critics. Leeds may come to rue the decision to let him leave, especially if he excels in the English top flight.
On the flip side, a rushed move to West Ham could backfire for both club and player if the transition proves too steep.
For now, all eyes remain on Toulouse and West Ham, as Leeds United quietly await a possible financial boost one that could soften the blow of a regrettable transfer decision.
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