Report: Liverpool set to launch £26m bid to sign English defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Defensive Plans Hint at Charlie Cresswell Move as Summer Window Nears

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy continues to evolve, and fresh reporting credited to Sports Boom suggests the club are seriously considering a move for Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell. With Arne Slot navigating a challenging title defence, strengthening the back line has become an increasingly important talking point among supporters and analysts alike.

Squad Planning Signals Defensive Priority

Liverpool’s centre back department looks set for change over the next year. Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at Anfield following his move from Rennes, while Giovanni Leoni is expected to return fully fit for the 2026/27 season after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Even with those additions, questions remain around the current core. Virgil van Dijk continues to lead the defence at 34, Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation is unresolved, and Joe Gomez has struggled for consistent fitness. These factors help explain why recruitment staff are exploring further options ahead of the summer window.

Sports Boom report that Liverpool could ‘table a bid’ worth more than €30m (£26m) for Cresswell, highlighting the club’s intent to invest in younger defensive talent capable of growing into a long term role under Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Growth in France Raises Cresswell’s Profile

Cresswell’s development since leaving Leeds United has been significant. After only 14 senior appearances in Yorkshire, the defender has built a strong reputation at Toulouse, making 56 appearances while contributing seven goals and four assists. That output underlines his ability to impact both penalty areas, a trait that aligns with Liverpool’s preference for proactive centre backs.

Interest from Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Chelsea, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg shows how competitive the market could become. According to Sports Boom, Liverpool believe an offer exceeding €30million ‘could be enough to try to persuade’ Toulouse to consider selling.

For Liverpool supporters, there may be a sense of reflection about how the club could have secured Cresswell at a lower fee during his time at Leeds. Yet his experience abroad has arguably accelerated his tactical maturity, making him a more polished option than he was two years ago.

Recruitment Approach Reflects Wider Strategy

Liverpool rarely rely on one defensive target, and this situation appears no different. The club’s scouting network continues to monitor several centre backs, ensuring flexibility as contract situations unfold and performances across Europe evolve.

Credit should go to Sports Boom for bringing renewed attention to the Reds’ interest in Cresswell and how it fits into the broader recruitment model. As Slot looks to rebuild momentum after a difficult league campaign, adding defensive depth with high potential resale value aligns with Fenway Sports Group’s long standing philosophy.

Whether Liverpool move quickly or wait until later in the window may depend on internal contract decisions, but the message from this report feels clear, defensive planning remains a central focus.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From an Anfield Index perspective, this report will spark debate among Liverpool fans who have watched a turbulent title defence unfold. Slot delivered the Premier League title in his first season, yet the current sixth place position has exposed vulnerabilities in depth and consistency,ids in defence.

Cresswell’s profile feels intriguing for supporters who appreciate intelligent recruitment. His growth in France suggests he could offer both aggression and composure, traits that Liverpool’s system demands when building from the back. Fans may also see this as a signal that the club are preparing for life beyond Van Dijk’s peak years while ensuring the transition remains smooth.

There is also curiosity about how a potential £26million investment fits into a wider rebuild. Many Reds will hope this move represents part of a broader defensive refresh rather than a single addition meant to cover short term issues. If Slot wants to regain control of matches through structure and pressing, reinforcing the spine of the team will be essential.

Ultimately, supporters may view this interest as a positive step, one that blends future planning with immediate need as Liverpool aim to re establish themselves among the Premier League’s strongest sides.