Sunderland-linked ex-Leeds United defender subject of major £15.6m European transfer bid
The former Leeds United defender, once tracked by Sunderland, is now attracting major interest from Europe
Former Sunderland defensive target Charlie Cresswell is attracting serious interest from the Bundesliga, with Wolfsburg submitting a sizeable offer to sign the Toulouse centre-back.
According to David Ornstein, Wolfsburg have lodged a proposal worth around €18million, which equates to approximately £15.6million, in an attempt to prise the 23-year-old away from Ligue 1. However, the report adds that the German club’s offer is thought to fall short of the valuation required for Toulouse FC to seriously consider a sale at this stage.
Cresswell has been on Sunderland’s radar in previous windows as part of the club’s long-term defensive recruitment strategy, with the England Under-21 international viewed internally as a player with both Premier League readiness and significant resale potential. While the Black Cats never progressed to a formal bid, his profile closely aligned with Sunderland’s recruitment model. Wolfsburg are not alone in their admiration. Ornstein reports that the defender has interest from elsewhere across Europe, underlining the rapid rise in his stock following an impressive spell in France and an outstanding international summer.
Born in Preston but raised in York, Cresswell joined Leeds United as a youngster in 2013 and progressed through the academy ranks, signing a professional contract in 2019. He made his senior debut for Leeds in the EFL Cup in September 2020 before captaining the club’s under-23 side to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title, earning a nomination for Player of the Season.
His Premier League debut followed in September 2021 against West Ham United, and after extending his contract, he gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell at Millwall in the Championship. Cresswell made an immediate impact at The Den, scoring twice on his debut and establishing himself as a reliable presence in a physically demanding league. In July 2024, Cresswell made the move abroad, signing for Toulouse on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. His adaptation to Ligue 1 has been swift, with his aerial dominance, aggression and composure on the ball catching the eye of scouts across Europe.
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On the international stage, Cresswell’s reputation has soared. A regular for England at youth level, he was part of the triumphant UEFA European Under-21 Championship squads in both 2023 and 2025. During the latter tournament, he scored in England’s opening match and played every minute of the competition, including the final victory over Germany. His performances earned him a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament. Cresswell is also the son of former professional footballer Richard Cresswell.
in other news, Sunderland have also been named among a host of Premier League clubs alerted to the potential availability of Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the January window. According to TEAMtalk, clubs including Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Brentford, Everton, Sunderland AFC and former club Fulham have all been made aware of the midfielder’s situation. The former Chelsea man is valued at around £10million.
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