Sports

Crystal Palace Hold Talks to Sign Charlie Cresswell

Published

3 hours ago

28 January 2026

Crystal Palace could add a former Premier League star to their ranks, according to reports – with the Eagles keen on adding Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell to their defensive unit in the coming days.

However, having spent his formative years in Leeds United’s academy after joining at the age of 11, he eventually played for the club until a matter of weeks before his 22nd birthday.

Some time away in France has seen Cresswell shine, and that has brought about interest from across Europe. But it could be that Palace win the race, with reports suggesting that they have ‘requested full details’ over a move for his services.

Romano: Crystal Palace ‘Request Full Details’ on Charlie Cresswell

The report on X (formerly Twitter) by Fabrizio Romano states that Toulouse have rejected a €24million (£20.8million) bid for Cresswell from Brighton, with the defender also coming under a slightly larger bid from German outfit Wolfsburg.

However, they aren’t the only clubs interested in a deal. Palace have also requested for the full details on a deal, having seen club captain Marc Guehi depart earlier in the window for Manchester City.

Toulouse want to keep the ‘excellent’ Cresswell until the summer, but with interest arising from the Premier League and the Bundesliga, the English-born star may not be staying in the south of France for much longer.

Cresswell has had quite a bizarre career path so far. Son of former EFL journeyman striker Richard, Charlie was born in Preston following his father’s move to Deepdale.

Cresswell only played 14 games for Leeds in all competitions, with five Premier League outings and five Championship appearances to his name for the Whites, and he moved to Toulouse in July 2024 for just £3.8million.

It’s a move that they will regret and one that Palace will look to swoop in for to oust their south coast rivals.

Cresswell Could Be a Solid Long-Term Replacement for Marc Guehi

Guehi leaving was a bitter blow, but Cresswell has already shown that he can do it on decent stages.

With 26 caps for England’s under 21 squad, including an ever-present nature in this summer’s 2025 Under-21 EUROs, and 50 Ligue 1 outings for Toulouse, he’s shown that he is ready for the big stage.

Guehi will be a tough act to follow, no doubt. There’s a reason that Manchester City have signed the England international, and Palace have a tough task in looking to replace him.

But with over 100 first-team appearances and international experience at the age of 23, Cresswell would be a superb successor for the FA Cup winners to have in their ranks alongside Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot.