So, how close did West Ham United really come to signing former Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell from Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse?
Well, not close at all, it seems.
As the Hammers embarked upon a hectic deadline day pursuit of a new central defender – Chelsea misfit Axel Disasi rejected their advances while a potential deal for Braga’s Bright Arrey-Mbi failed to materialise – the deadline came and went with Charlie Cresswell very much still a Toulouse player.
Though that was not for a lack of trying on West Ham United’s part.
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty ImagesToulouse defender Charlie Cresswell opens up on West Ham United interest
According to Alan Nixon, West Ham tried to sign Cresswell on loan, with a £13 million purchase clause included as part of the arrangement.
But while standing firm on their £17 million asking price, sporting director Viktor Behzani insists that Toulouse were delighted to retain the England Under-21 international. As for the player himself, Cresswell admits that there was no real temptation on his part to follow in the footsteps of his namesake Aaron at the London Stadium.
“It’s the life of a footballer during the transfer window,” Cresswell, who was also linked with Sunderland, explains to La Depeche. “I heard about these interests, which came from several places in Europe.
“I tried not to pay too much attention to it, and to stay focused on what I’m doing here in Toulouse, training hard, giving my all. In the end, I’m still here and that’s great. This club gave me an opportunity to prove my worth last season so, as long as I play for TFC, I will do it 100 per cent.
“I don’t want to go into the details of what happened during the transfer window. But I can tell you that I didn’t need any convincing to stay.
“I had a great season, I met great people, both at the club and outside. Last season, I felt that I was improving every week, until the summer and this European Under-21 title with England, which was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
Cresswell was part of the England side which retained the European Championship crown they won back in 2023 this summer. The Leeds academy graduate started alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s former Liverpool prospect Jarrell Quansah during a thrilling 3-2 victory over Germany in extra-time.
“Several players were indeed highly sought after, but we always discussed things transparently with them,” Behzani added.
We understand that players have their dreams, that they aspire to play at the highest level. But if they leave, they have to go to the right club at the right time. We are very happy to have kept these players, and I believe they understand what an additional season with us can bring them, and us, as a club.
“The first matches of the season have proven that we can aspire to achieve great things.”
Igor Julio could make West Ham debut against Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham would sign Igor Julio instead before the 7pm deadline.
Graham Potter is full of praise for the Brighton loanee, with debuts on the cards for both Igor and Soungoutou Magassa during Saturday’s derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
“As you can imagine with the window, you have to be on your toes,” Potter explains, West Ham jumping at the chance to nab Igor on deadline day after selling Nayef Aguerd to Marseille.
“The opportunity for Nayef to leave was good for him and us. A possibility opened up for Igor. He’s trained really well, fitted into the group really well. He is a positive character, so we are happy [with the signing].
“We’ve got good competition there now. Igor can cover centre-back and full-back. I’m happy with that position, happy that the window has finished and we are where we are.”
While Cresswell is set for at least one more year in France, meanwhile, another of Ligue 1’s most coveted talents has already seen a Premier League switch confirmed.
Emanuel Emegha joined Chelsea from sister club Strasbourg having been targeted by the Hammers at the beginning of the summer.