Charlie Cresswell has officially left Toulouse Football Club for Stade Rennais, the two clubs confirmed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, ending a two-year spell in which the English defender became one of the most popular players at the Stadium.
The 23-year-old central defender has signed a five-year contract with the Brittany club. As reported by La Depeche on August 1, the transfer is worth 25 million euros, paid in two installments. The deal is structured as a paid loan for one season that will convert into a permanent transfer next year, at the next summer transfer window.
Cresswell could line up in central defense alongside Anthony Rouault, who left Toulouse in 2023 and is nicknamed "Pitchoun." Rasmus Nicolaisen, who played many matches alongside both men at the heart of the Toulouse defense, may appreciate the reunion.
A difficult start in Toulouse
Cresswell arrived in Toulouse in July 2024, but his relationship with Violets supporters did not begin well. During a match on August 31, 2024 at the Stadium against Marseille, which Toulouse lost 3-1, the Englishman was rated 2 out of 10 by La Depeche and lost two balls that led directly to Marseille goals. The newspaper's headline after the match read "Cresswell drowned."
From struggling rookie to fan favourite
The rest of his time in Toulouse eclipsed that difficult start. Cresswell became known for spectacular interventions, memorable sliding tackles and often decisive headed goals. His output was notably high for a central defender, with 8 goals and 5 assists in 66 matches for the club.
He also built a strong connection with supporters, becoming one of the crowd's favourites at the Stadium, much as Jack Willis is at rugby club Stade Toulousain. Speaking in 2025, Cresswell said French supporters were formidable, and that England did not have fans quite like them. He said that in France, supporters jumped around throughout matches, with ultras standing at the front of the stand holding a microphone and guiding the rest of the crowd, calling it truly amazing.
Life in the Carmes neighbourhood
Away from the pitch, Cresswell became a familiar face in the Carmes district of central Toulouse, where he was often seen sitting on a terrace for coffee, a pastry or a pizza on the busy Rue des Filatiers. His departure leaves a gap not only for the club but for local shopkeepers in the area.
What comes next
For Toulouse fans, there is a chance to see Cresswell again at the Stadium as soon as November 28, 2026, when Toulouse are due to play Stade Rennais, provided Toulouse have not inserted a clause in the loan contract preventing him from facing his former teammates this season. Even if he is barred from playing, he is expected to return to the city he adopted as home.
