Stade Rennais are in advanced talks to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, according to L'Équipe. The 23-year-old English centre-back has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Breton club, but a deal is not yet finalised.
Rennes initially identified Cresswell as a potential target during the winter transfer window, anticipating a possible departure of Jérémy Jacquet, who has since joined Liverpool for a reported €70 million. The club are now seeking to bolster their defensive options following Jacquet's exit, and see Cresswell as a suitable replacement.
Toulouse, however, are holding out for a fee of at least €25 million for the player, who is under contract until 2028. Rennes have submitted an offer, but it currently falls short of the Ligue 1 club’s valuation, and it remains to be seen whether they will increase their bid.
Cresswell joined Toulouse in 2024 and has established himself as a key player in their defence, contributing to two solid seasons in Ligue 1. He was also a member of the England Under-21 squad that won the European Championship in 2025. His performances have attracted attention from the Premier League, with Crystal Palace monitoring the situation.
Crystal Palace previously expressed interest in Cresswell during the winter transfer window and continue to track his progress. The Eagles are also considering defensive reinforcements at Lens, a league familiar to their new manager Pierre Sage, but are awaiting developments regarding Maxence Lacroix, who is reportedly a target for Chelsea. As of now, Rennes remain the frontrunners to secure Cresswell’s signature. Securing Cresswell would address a clear need in Rennes’ backline and provide competition for existing centre-backs. His arrival could also allow manager Julien Stéphan to implement a more flexible tactical approach.
