Crystal Palace are battling to sign Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell this summer after Rennes had a £19.7million bid rejected for the 23-year-old. The Eagles are desperate for defensive reinforcements following Maxence Lacroix’s £52m departure to Chelsea this week.
Why does Crystal Palace need a new centre-back?
Palace finished the 2024-25 Premier League season in 15th place with 45 points (11W-12D-15L), conceding 51 goals. Lacroix’s exit leaves a gap, and talks for Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima collapsed after both clubs failed to agree terms.
Who is Charlie Cresswell?
The England Under-21 international, who won back-to-back European Championships in 2024 and 2025, made 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season. Originally a Leeds United academy product, he joined Toulouse in 2024 and quickly became a first-team regular, earning a place in the 2025 Tournament Team of the Tournament.
What other targets are Crystal Palace pursuing?
Fulham are also in the race for Cresswell, but Palace have discussed a potential return for Trevoh Chalobah. The 27-year-old, who had a successful loan spell in 2024-25, was part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad. With the new season approaching, the Eagles aim to strengthen for both Premier League and Europa League campaigns after finishing 40 points behind leaders Arsenal last term.
