- Crystal Palace initiate contact with Charlie Cresswell’s agents
- Defender currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Toulouse
- Eagles want Cresswell to replace Chelsea-bound Maxence Lacroix
Crystal Palace are braced for an approach from Chelsea for Maxence Lacroix and are wasting no time to sort out his replacement.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, the Eagles have entered the race to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse after making contact with his representatives.
Lacroix has been a key player for the club and was instrumental for Oliver Glasner. However, with Chelsea now firmly in the hunt, new manager Pierre Sage needs to look elsewhere for defensive cover.
And if reports are to be believed, they are keen to bring Cresswell back to England.
Crystal Palace in talks with Charlie Cresswell’s agents
After making a name for himself with Leeds United, Cresswell made the move to France to take the next step in his development as Toulouse snapped him up in the summer of 2024.
Since then, he has developed into a reliable defender for the Ligue 1 side, attracting interest from a host of clubs across the world.
Tavolieri reports that Palace are competing with Stade Rennes to secure his signature, although the player’s preference is to return to the Premier League this summer if a transfer materialises.
The aforementioned report doesn’t mention a transfer fee, but Cresswell certainly won’t come cheap, owing to his performances since moving to France.
Cresswell the ideal Lacroix replacement
Palace lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January. With Glasner also moving on and Adam Wharton heavily linked with a departure, it looks like there could be a few changes this summer.
Replacing Lacroix won’t be easy as the Frenchman has been a rock at the back for the Eagles.
However, Cresswell has developed admirably in recent weeks and has been described as a ‘warrior’ by former Toulouse manager Carles Martinez Novell.
“His best characteristic is maybe his combativeness,” said Novell via GFFN. He is a real warrior. I love it.”
“In defensive duels, when he goes up for corners, you see these values (of determination) shine. Tactics and technique are important, but combativeness is decisive.”
Last summer, Palace raided Toulouse for Jaydee Canvot and the Frenchman really came into his own after Guehi’s departure.
Due to past dealings, the Eagles will have a good working relationship with their counterparts in France, which could be massive in any deal for Cresswell.
The 23-year-old is a fantastic young defender and is no stranger to English football, making him the ideal candidate to replace Lacroix, who already has one foot out of the door.
