adminSunderland identify player with meteoric rise as ‘ideal target’ – Black Cats need €10m+ to seal move
Sunderland are reportedly interested in securing a deal to bring Charlie Cresswell back to English football this summer, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux. The 22-year-old centre-back, who currently plays for Toulouse FC in Ligue 1, has caught the attention of the Black Cats following an impressive debut season in France.
Cresswell began his professional journey at Leeds United, having progressed through their youth academy before breaking into the first team in 2020. He was considered a promising talent at Elland Road and made several senior appearances for the club before moving abroad. In July 2023, Cresswell made the switch to Toulouse, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter in the heart of the defence.
Since joining the Ligue 1 side, Cresswell has racked up a total of 2,850 minutes across 34 appearances in all competitions, underlining his importance to the team. His consistent performances in France have not gone unnoticed, and his development has earned him a recall to the England Under-21 national team.
Cresswell is currently representing England U21 at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He made an immediate impact by scoring in England’s 3-1 victory over Czech Republic U21s and also played the full 90 minutes in a goalless draw against Slovenia U21s. His displays at both club and international level have added to his growing reputation, prompting fresh interest from clubs in his homeland.
According to Jeunes Footeux, newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland are now seriously considering a move for the talented defender. With promotion secured, the Wearside club is keen to bolster their defensive options in preparation for the challenges of top-flight football next season. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is said to view Cresswell as an ‘ideal target’ to strengthen the back line and bring both youth and quality to the squad.
While Sunderland may be eager to bring Cresswell back to the UK, negotiations with Toulouse could prove to be challenging. The defender is under contract with the French club until 2028, giving them a strong position in any transfer discussions. According to Transfermarkt,
Cresswell is currently valued at €10 million, but Jeunes Footeux suggest that Toulouse are unlikely to let him leave for that amount. This means Sunderland would likely have to put forward a significantly higher offer if they are to convince Toulouse to part ways with one of their key assets.
Nevertheless, the lure of returning to English football—and the opportunity to play Premier League football with Sunderland—could be a tempting prospect for Cresswell. His familiarity with the English game, combined with his recent international exposure, makes him a compelling target for the Black Cats as they aim to build a competitive squad capable of surviving and thriving in the top tier.
With the summer transfer window now open, all eyes will be on whether Sunderland make an official approach in the coming weeks. For now, Charlie Cresswell remains a name firmly on their radar as they plot their next moves ahead of a highly anticipated return to the Premier League.
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