Report: West Ham United have joined the race to sign English defender | OneFootball

West Ham’s Renewed Pursuit of Charlie Cresswell Highlights a Defender on the Rise

Rising Centre Back Drawing Premier League Attention

Charlie Cresswell’s journey has taken him far from the familiar environment of Leeds and the Championship, yet his spell in France has brought him sharper recognition than anything he experienced in England. TalkSport report that West Ham have reignited their interest in the defender, whose performances at Toulouse have quietly placed him among Europe’s most intriguing emerging centre backs.

After appearing for only 137 Championship minutes in the 2023-24 season, Cresswell made the bold move abroad last summer. Toulouse offered opportunity, stability and a structure built on youth, and the 23-year-old responded with a standout campaign that placed him in contention for far more than a simple club step-up.

Photo IMAGO

His numbers speak loudly. Across all competitions, Cresswell clocked 2,878 minutes, the most of any Toulouse player, and his aerial dominance, recorded at 98 duels won in Ligue 1, was only surpassed by six-foot-five striker Ludovic Ajorque. The impact extended beyond defensive solidity. Three goals and an assist in the opening twelve league matches of the current season underline the increasing influence he has in both penalty areas.

Impressing in England Colours

For Lee Carsley’s Under-21s, Cresswell was similarly irreplaceable. He scored in the opening match of their European Championship campaign and delivered a commanding display in the final. That tournament confirmed his upward trajectory. Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade found himself marshalled with maturity by a player growing into the demands of high-level football.

Photo IMAGO

European football expert Andy Brassell provided further insight to TalkSport, emphasising the role of Toulouse’s recruitment leadership. “I guess that’s really a reflection of the sort of club he’s at,” he said. “Cresswell is a success of Comolli.” His remarks underline the logic behind the original move and the confidence placed in the defender long before this surge of interest.

Developing Qualities and Tactical Growth

Brassell added, “What’s becoming clear is this is a bit of a breakout year for him. Not just because it’s an improved Toulouse team, but because he’s at this stage now where not only is he defending very, very well, but he’s making the most of his strength and power at set pieces.”

His comparison was the detail that turned heads. “It sort of recalls, like a Thiago Silva, someone who’s a real threat in the opposition penalty box, who’s got real smarts about him.” Those comments carry weight, particularly given Thomas Tuchel’s knowledge of the Brazilian from their time in Paris and London.

Photo: IMAGO

England Ambitions and Future Prospects

Tuchel’s decision to call up Trevoh Chalobah instead is understandable when considering experience, yet the growing consensus suggests Cresswell’s senior England debut is a matter of timing rather than talent. Brassell noted that progression will require a step up from Toulouse. “Before Charlie Cresswell gets into the full England squad, he’s going to have to make a step up from Toulouse. There’s a real limit to what he can do there.”

A Premier League switch would shift that dynamic. As Brassell continued, “If he completes this season the way he started it, he will get a move to a bigger club… and then from there, he’ll be able to build towards the England squad for Euro 2028. World Cup 26 is coming too fast for him.”

West Ham’s interest fits neatly into this projected curve. For a club seeking defensive stability and long-term structural planning, Cresswell represents an investment in potential, intelligence and upward momentum.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

West Ham’s back line has seen fluctuating form in recent seasons, and bringing in a defender with Cresswell’s profile feels like a move with real football logic rather than short-term patchwork. Fans appreciate centre backs who thrive physically, organise well and carry presence in both penalty boxes, and Cresswell’s numbers from Ligue 1 reflect exactly that.

There will be admiration too for his willingness to move abroad to develop. Supporters often praise players who show ambition rather than settling for squad roles, and Cresswell’s growth in France signals a mentality suited to Premier League demands. His aerial strength, set piece threat and leadership qualities would add layers to a West Ham team that values resilience and structure.

However, there will also be questions. Can he translate Ligue 1 form into the Premier League? Would he start immediately or develop through rotation? Supporters will also wonder whether interest from larger continental sides could make negotiations complicated. But overall, this link feels encouraging.

For fans at the London Stadium, the idea of a young, powerful centre back arriving at the club at the right moment of his development aligns with the desire for smarter recruitment and long-term planning. If the club can win the race, most West Ham supporters would view Cresswell as a signing with real upside and minimal downside.