Phil Hay details Charlie Cresswell update at Leeds United as Southampton speculation emerges on Sunday
Phil Hay has issued an update on Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell with Middlesbrough and Southampton reportedly keen on signing him in January.
The Athletic journalist claims that the 21-year-old will be staying put at Elland Road until the end of the season.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on 10 December that the Saints and Boro are keen on signing the English centre-back on loan.
Hay wrote on 10 December: “Charlie Cresswell, too, has been left in no doubt that he will be expected to stick around. Farke wants four centre-backs and Cresswell is one, even though he has played only a handful of minutes in the Championship since August and is now regularly falling short of making the bench. Long story short: Farke can do without disruption on any level.”
Keep him
Despite limited playing time in the Championship recently, Daniel Farke’s intention to keep Cresswell suggests a long-term vision for the player’s development.
The manager’s desire for four quality centre-backs emphasises the need for a robust squad to navigate the challenges of a demanding season, especially in the pursuit of promotion where consistency and defensive solidity are paramount.
Leeds, in their bid for promotion, cannot afford to strengthen potential rivals like Southampton and Middlesbrough by allowing Cresswell to leave on loan.
The manager’s emphasis on avoiding disruptions signals a commitment to squad cohesion and harmony.
Cresswell, even if not a regular starter at the moment, represents an investment in the future and ensures the team has the necessary defensive options as they navigate a competitive Championship campaign.
One cannot predict injuries, especially during gruelling periods where matches are being played once every four days so it does not hurt to have quality in depth.
In other Leeds United news, a surgery diagnosis has been shared on a first-team player now set to be out of action for a number of weeks.