Leeds United face behind scenes decision on Charlie Cresswell after limited game time, he may look to quit in January
Leeds United must be quick to decide on Charlie Cresswell’s immediate future at Elland Road as he may become increasingly frustrated over his repeated snubs by Daniel Farke.
Fresh off a successful loan spell in South London last season and helping England to win the European Under-21 Championship back in June, the centre-back signed a deal until June 2027 (official website, 1 August).
And yet, less than two months later, Cresswell’s future at Leeds looks quite unclear with just three starts in all competitions this term, but only one of those in the Championship with two coming in the Carabao Cup.
There was an expectation ahead of this season that the talented defender would stake his claim to become a regular starter under Farke, but the season has not played out how he would have hoped so far.
Tottenham loanee Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have been Farke’s preferred partnership this term, while Liam Cooper is back now after being injured in the season-opener against Cardiff City which has left Cresswell as an unfortunate afterthought.
The captain’s return to action means Cresswell is seemingly even further down the pecking order and he was not even included by Daniel Farke on the substitutes’ bench against Hull City on 20 September and hasn’t featured in a matchday squad in a whole month.
In fact, he hasn’t featured for Leeds United since the back end of August, a surprise EFL Cup defeat to Salford City (29 August) [SofaScore]
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth shared on 18 October that the 21-year-old would have a big decision to make in January, and recent developments at Elland Road will make that decision more apparent.
However, it’s not the player who will have to make a big decision but those in the Leeds United hierarchy who could well face the possibility of losing one of their most gifted academy products yet again.
What are Farke’s plans for the England Under-21 international who has certainly shined when called upon for his country?
Despite his lack of minutes for his club, England under-21 manager Lee Carsley still picked him for the October internationals and he succeeded with tremendous aplomb against Serbia as the European Champions ran out 9-1 winners on 12 October.
The Elland Road sensational won 100% of his aerial duels (8/8), recorded 98 touches, successfully completed 86% of his passes, won a whopping nine of his duels, registered two interceptions, and one clearance and could well have capped off his complete performance with a goal [SofaScore].
Such performances certainly show a player ready to make his mark consistently in the first team but it’s understandable that Farke is sticking to Rodon and Struijk who have been spectacular in recent weeks.
However, it is certainly damaging Cresswell’s development and confidence having been left at home in recent matchday which should trigger an immediate action behind-the-scenes at Elland Road.
What is the next step for such a talented defender who needs to be playing regularly? Do they send him out on loan for the following six months or sell him on but ensure they have the option to buy him back in future?
With a big decision to make in January, his recent exclusion from the squad could certainly make any decision easier, and the centre-back could now push for a move, at least on loan, when the transfer window rolls back around.
In other Leeds news, summer signing will regret move to Elland Road after recent Farke comments.