Manchester City Monitor Toulouse Defender Charlie Cresswell as Liverpool and Newcastle Lead Interest
Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell as Pep Guardiola weighs up defensive reinforcements following the injury setback suffered by Josko Gvardiol.
The 23-year-old English defender has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in Ligue 1, attracting attention from several Premier League heavyweights during the January transfer window.
Cresswell is a product of the Leeds United academy and made his senior debut during the 2020-21 Carabao Cup campaign. He featured sporadically in the Premier League the following season as Leeds battled defensive injuries, gaining early exposure to top-flight football.
His first sustained run of senior minutes arrived during a loan spell at Millwall in the 2022-23 season. There, the Preston-born defender made 28 Championship appearances, scoring five goals and ranking among the top performers in both duels and aerial duels across the division.
Despite those performances, opportunities under Daniel Farke proved limited the following year, with Cresswell making just seven appearances in all competitions. Seeking regular football, he opted for a bold move abroad in July 2024, joining Toulouse in Ligue 1.
The decision has paid off handsomely. In his debut season in France, Cresswell made 34 appearances, scored four goals, and played a key role in Toulouse achieving their best league finish in over a decade. His progress also carried onto the international stage.
Cresswell was selected for England’s U21 squad at the UEFA European Championship, where he played a central role in the Young Lions’ second consecutive tournament victory. His performances earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament, finishing ahead of highly-rated defenders such as Castello Lukeba.
The 2025-26 campaign has only strengthened his reputation. Cresswell has played every minute of league action so far and leads all Ligue 1 centre-backs for duels won — a metric that has not gone unnoticed by elite clubs.
According to SPORT in France, with reporting relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are tracking the defender. However, Liverpool and Newcastle United are said to be showing stronger interest at this stage, with Toulouse valuing Cresswell at around €25 million (£21.5m).
From City’s perspective, the situation is nuanced. The club already boasts several promising young centre-backs including Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Juma Bah, while Max Alleyne has recently returned from loan to provide short-term cover.
As such, any move for Cresswell may depend on longer-term squad reshaping. Should one of John Stones or Nathan Aké depart in the summer, the Toulouse defender could emerge as a strong candidate to fill both a defensive gap and a valuable homegrown slot.
Much will also hinge on Guardiola’s appetite for a relatively youthful defensive unit, particularly with Josko Gvardiol expected to return from his long-term injury ahead of next season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Charlie Cresswell?
Charlie Cresswell is a 23-year-old English centre-back currently playing for Toulouse in Ligue 1. He is a Leeds United academy graduate and an England U21 international.
Why are Manchester City interested in Cresswell?
City are monitoring Cresswell due to his strong defensive metrics, consistency in Ligue 1, and suitability as a homegrown option amid current injury concerns.
Which other clubs are interested?
Liverpool and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race, with stronger interest than Manchester City at present.
How much is Cresswell valued at?
Toulouse are believed to value the defender at approximately €25 million (£21.5 million).
Is a January transfer likely?
A January move appears uncertain. City may prefer to reassess in the summer depending on departures and Gvardiol’s recovery.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s interest in Charlie Cresswell highlights the club’s proactive approach amid defensive uncertainty. While competition from Liverpool and Newcastle is fierce, the Toulouse defender’s trajectory suggests his name will remain firmly on elite shortlists — whether in January or beyond.
