‘Didn’t need any convincing’ – £3.9m defender makes transfer admission after Sunderland and West Ham links

‘Didn’t need any convincing’ – £3.9m defender makes transfer admission after Sunderland and West Ham links

Charlie Cresswell Responds to Transfer Rumours Amid Sunderland and West Ham Links

Charlie Cresswell has addressed recent transfer speculation after being linked with moves to Sunderland and West Ham during the summer window.

Despite interest from across Europe, the 23-year-old insists he was fully committed to staying at Toulouse and needed no convincing to remain at the club.

Following a standout season in Ligue 1, where he made 37 appearances after joining from Leeds United for £3.89 million in 2024, Cresswell attracted attention from multiple clubs.

His profile rose even further when he played a key role in England U21s’ European Championship triumph under Lee Carsley, starting in the final against Germany.

Sunderland, in search of defensive reinforcements this summer, were one of the clubs linked with the centre-back. However, they ultimately moved for other options, including Omar Alderete, Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo, and Arthur Masuaku, while also extending Luke O’Nien’s contract.

Speaking to La Dépêche, Cresswell commented:
“That’s part of being a footballer during the transfer window… I was aware of the interest from several clubs across Europe. I won’t go into the details, but I didn’t need to be persuaded to stay. I had a great season and built strong relationships, both at the club and outside it.”

Reflecting on his progress over the past year, Cresswell emphasized his focus on development:
“I felt like I kept improving every week, right up until the summer, which ended with winning the U21 Euros — one of the best moments of my life.”

Despite the ongoing speculation, the defender says his attention remained firmly on his current club:
“I tried not to let the noise distract me. I stayed focused on training hard and giving everything for Toulouse. In the end, I’m still here — and that’s a good thing.”

Le Bris Shares Thoughts on Brobbey’s Arrival at Sunderland

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris believes new signing Brian Brobbey will bring a fresh dynamic to the team’s attack after completing a deadline-day move from Ajax.

The Black Cats acted quickly to reinforce their forward line after Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu, and with Liam Delap sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained just before the international break.

Brobbey now joins a strike force that already includes Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, who have contributed three goals across the club’s first three Premier League games.

Le Bris highlighted Brobbey’s distinct skill set:
“Brian brings a different profile. He’s a natural striker — strong at holding up play, quick in behind, and clinical in front of goal. Physically, he’s quite different from Eli and Wilson. For a coach, having different types of forwards provides flexibility depending on the demands of the match.”

The Sunderland boss also noted that Brobbey’s arrival gives the team more tactical options, including the potential use of a two-striker formation:
“It’s certainly an option. We tried it briefly with Marc, and though it wasn’t for long, it showed it’s viable at this level.

Maybe we’ll see Brian and Wilson together up front. Eli, on the other hand, can play more as a nine-and-a-half — a position he filled well at times last season. That versatility gives us more ways to adapt during games.”