Liverpool are reportedly preparing a £26m (€30m) bid for Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, as Arne Slot looks to accelerate a defensive overhaul. Despite already securing a £60m deal for Rennes prodigy Jeremy Jacquet, the Reds are eyeing the former Leeds United man to provide much-needed depth following a “serious” injury to Wataru Endo during the midweek win over Sunderland.
The “Right-Back Curse” Strikes Again at Wearside
While Liverpool’s professional performance against Sunderland closed the gap on the Top 4, the victory was marred by Wataru Endo’s foot injury. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong already sidelined, Slot’s defensive options are stretched to the breaking point.
“It is a serious one… I assume he will be out for a long time,” Slot admitted post-match. The crisis has forced Joe Gomez into a marathon run of games, highlighting why Liverpool are now raiding Ligue 1 for a second time this window.
Why Charlie Cresswell? The Homegrown Factor
At 23, Charlie Cresswell has reinvented himself in France. After an “excellent” U21 Euro campaign with England, the Toulouse standout has become one of the most reliable defenders in Ligue 1. For Liverpool, Cresswell offers two vital advantages:
- Ligue 1 Synergy: Pairing him with fellow newcomer Jeremy Jacquet could create a young, modern partnership familiar with the French style of play.
- Premier League Homegrown Status: Crucial for squad registration, Cresswell’s English roots make him a more attractive target than Chelsea or Spurs’ overseas alternatives.
A £86m Defensive Revolution
If the Cresswell deal Ggoes through, Liverpool’s summer spending on the backline will exceed £86m before the window even officially opens. With Joel Matip’s departure and Virgil van Dijk entering the final stages of his peak, Slot is clearly building “Liverpool 2.0” from the back.
The Reds reportedly face stiff competition from Chelsea and Tottenham, but the lure of Anfield and the guaranteed minutes following Endo’s injury could tip the scales in Liverpool’s favour.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
