Leeds United prepare for financial windfall in January as West Ham target ex-academy defender
Leeds United are on high alert over a possible financial boost in January, with reports suggesting Premier League rivals West Ham are plotting a swoop for a former Elland Road academy graduate.
As Los Blancos look to stay in the top flight, a significant sell-on fee from a surprise transfer could provide manager Daniel Farke with unexpected funds for the winter window.
Leeds United set to score surprise windfall
The Athletic have reported that West Ham are looking to sign Charlie Cresswell as a priority defensive target for the upcoming January transfer window.
The 23-year-old centre-back, who left Leeds for French club Toulouse in July 2024, has impressed in Ligue 1, prompting the Hammers to open talks to bring him back to England.
A report from Leeds United News explains how a 15% sell-on clause Leeds included as part of the deal during the summer sales was worth just £3.8 million. While Toulouse reportedly value the defender at around €25m (£22m), Leeds could end up earning £3.3m in January if the deal goes through.
Daniel Farke changed the season for Leeds with a formation change
This potential financial injection comes at an ideal time, reflecting the club’s fortunes on the pitch.
After a shaky start to the 2025/26 campaign which saw pressure mount on Daniel Farke, Leeds United dramatically turned their season around in December.
The catalyst for this revival was a bold tactical change in the match against Manchester City at the end of November.
Farke has moved away from his traditional setup to adopt a 3-5-2 formation, providing greater defensive solidity while unlocking the attacking potential of his attackers.
The change sparked an impressive unbeaten run, highlighted by a win over Chelsea, a draw against Liverpool and a crushing 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Key to this resurgence has been the form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who appears revitalized in the new system, and the leadership of captain Ethan Ampadu.
With the team now moving away from the relegation zone and money potentially coming from the Cresswell deal, the prospects at Elland Road are suddenly much brighter as 2026 approaches.
