Borussia Dortmund have made an approach to sign former Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell on a permanent contract.
Cresswell is currently shining for French side Toulouse and recently won the U21s European Championship’s with England.
However, just over a year after leaving Leeds United, Cresswell could be set for a major switch for the 2025/26 campaign.
Former Leeds United man linked with German switch
As reported by journalist David Ornstein, Borussia Dortmund have made a move to try and sign Charlie Cresswell before the summer transfer window comes to an end.
The deal would be a permanent move for the young defender. Leeds would receive 15% of any deal, as they negotiated a sell-on clause in the Toulouse deal last summer.
In June, it was reported by MOT Leeds News that Toulouse valued Cresswell at £18 million. Several unnamed Premier League clubs were showing interest. Serie A sides Atalanta and Como were also interested in the Englishman.
How did he fare last season?
Cresswell helped the side to a 10th placed finish in the French top flight last season, following his fair share of standout individual performances during his debut campaign for the club.
He featured 34 times across all competitions for Toulouse last season, contributing to six goals including a goal and assist in the same match against Laval in the Coupe De France.
The centre back also enjoyed a standout summer, guiding England U21’s to European glory. His performances have unsurprisingly attracted interest from top European clubs.
How likely is this deal?
Cresswell is only one year in to a four year deal at the French side. He signed for Toulouse in July 2024 from Leeds United, where the defender came through the academy.
Leeds could be regretting their decision to let Cresswell leave for just £3.8 million. However, the West Yorkshire side have a 15% sell-on clause included in the defender’s Toulouse contract.
Dortmund continue their long standing association with signing young English talent. They first gained the identity after Jadon Sancho broke through. More signings have followed since then, with the likes of Jamie Gittens, Jobe Bellingham and Carney Chukwumeuka to name a few.
Jude Bellingham is the most notable player, however. The midfielder spent three seasons at Dortmund before making the high profile move to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a stellar first season in the Spanish capital.
This makes Dortmund a very attractive club for Cresswell, who will be likely looking to kick on after his stand out U21 Euros campaign. If the fee is right for all parties, this could be a move that’s ‘too good to turn down’ for the defender.