Report: Liverpool set to join the race to sign £26m defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Summer Move for Charlie Cresswell as Defensive Planning Continues

Liverpool’s long term defensive planning has come back into focus after a fresh report from Sports Boom revealed interest in Toulouse centre back Charlie Cresswell. With several senior defenders approaching uncertain stages of their careers, recruitment decisions this summer could shape the next phase of the squad under Arne Slot.

Transfer Strategy Points Towards Defensive Refresh

According to Sports Boom, Liverpool are preparing to strengthen at centre back despite already securing future reinforcements. Jeremy Jacquet will arrive from Rennes, while Giovanni Leoni is working his way back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury ahead of the 2026 to 27 campaign.

Even with those additions, there remains a sense that Liverpool’s back line needs renewed depth and durability. Virgil van Dijk is now 34, Ibrahima Konate faces an expiring contract, and Joe Gomez’s injury record continues to raise concerns. These factors help explain why the recruitment team appear determined to stay active in the market.

Reports suggest the club could ‘table a bid’ worth more than €30million for Cresswell, a figure that reflects how much his profile has grown since leaving Leeds United for Toulouse in 2024 for just £3.8million.

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Charlie Cresswell’s Rise Since Leaving Leeds

Cresswell’s development in France has been steady and eye catching. After only 14 senior appearances at Leeds, he has played 56 times for Toulouse, contributing seven goals and four assists from defence. That attacking output, combined with his physical presence, has drawn attention from across Europe.

Interest from Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Chelsea, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg highlights how competitive the race could become. Sports Boom claim Liverpool believe a proposal exceeding €30million ‘could be enough to try to persuade’ Toulouse to negotiate.

From a recruitment perspective, this feels aligned with Fenway Sports Group’s model of identifying players before their peak value. Some supporters may wonder whether Liverpool missed an earlier opportunity when Cresswell was still at Leeds, yet his progress abroad has arguably made him a more complete option.

Recruitment Landscape Remains Open

Cresswell is not the only centre back linked with Anfield, and Liverpool’s approach suggests they are keeping several pathways open rather than committing to one target too early. That flexibility often characterises their transfer windows, with extensive background work carried out before decisive moves are made.

Credit must go to Sports Boom for highlighting how this situation fits into Liverpool’s broader planning. The coming months will reveal whether the club accelerate their pursuit or wait to assess contract developments within the current squad. Either way, the emphasis on defensive evolution signals a clear priority ahead of the summer window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report sparks mixed emotions. On one hand, the idea of investing in a young English centre back who has matured abroad feels like smart planning. Arne Slot’s debut Premier League title proved how effective structured recruitment can be, yet the current sixth place position shows how quickly momentum can shift when depth is stretched.

Fans may question whether a £26million move represents proactive thinking or delayed action. Cresswell’s growth at Toulouse suggests he could arrive ready to contribute immediately, especially if Konate’s contract situation remains unresolved. There is also a sense that Liverpool need defenders comfortable progressing the ball, something Slot values heavily in his build up patterns.

Supporters will likely watch how the club balance experience and youth. Van Dijk’s leadership still carries huge value, but planning for the next era feels essential. If this interest becomes concrete, many Reds will hope it signals a wider rebuild rather than a single addition aimed at patching short term gaps.