He spent last season on loan with Millwall, where he played 30 times at The Den, however his season was cut short after breaking his eye socket late in the season.
Since Leeds’ relegation to the Championship last season, the 21-year-old may have hoped for greater opportunities. Leeds lost Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, and Max Wober, and Cresswell’s previous development and experience at this level served him well.
He is one of four centre-backs at the club, with club captain Liam Cooper also competing, as well as Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon being the club’s only two senior options. He was also given the number-five jersey for next season, which he might wear.
Cresswell is the son of former Leeds striker Richard Cresswell, who was a member of the club between 2005 and 2017. Since 2013, the academy graduate has been part of Leeds’ youth setup.
So far, the season hasn’t gone as planned, with him starting just one Championship game and two EFL Cup ties. Cresswell last played in the 101st minute of QPR’s 1-0 win on October 4th.
He was an unused substitute against Bristol City, and since Cooper’s return to action and Struijk and Rodon’s imperious partnership, the 21-year-old has not even made the bench in recent weeks during the last three games with that trio sharing the game time.
Cresswell has possibly fared better internationally thus far, returning from the recent break with two full 90-minute outings for England U-21s, scoring in the second against Ukraine, his first at that level for his country.
He signed a new contract in August that would keep him at Elland Road until 2027, but the question of his future in West Yorkshire will be answered in January.
It was reported by Leeds All Over during January that Sunderland were one side looking at taking Cresswell whilst he was still at Millwall, although that deal never transpired.
The Black Cats did not renew that contract in the summer, but they have made a habit of developing young talent throughout the pitch in recent years, as former Leeds academy graduate Jack Clarke exemplifies.
Adding more youth to an already youthful back line may not be the wisest plan of action, but Cresswell has demonstrated his leadership abilities for Leeds on numerous occasions and has captained various youth sides.
Sunderland have conceded 16 goals this season, and while youngsters like Dan Ballard are performing and developing well, Cresswell may provide a short-term upgrade over longer-term players like Nectarios Triantis and Jens Seelt for the time being.
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