While Igor Julio is preparing to make a potential West Ham United debut against Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday night’s Premier League clash, Charlie Cresswell has another few months of Ligue 1 football awaiting him.
West Ham signed Igor after the Brighton loanee saw a move to Crystal Palace collapse on deadline day, but the 27-year-old Brazilian was far from the only central defensive target who received an offer from the London Stadium.
Chelsea misfit Axel Disasi rejected West Ham in favour of a return to Monaco. A return which never materialised.
Braga’s Germany Under-21 stopper Bright Arrey Mbi was considered, too. And, according to Alan Nixon, West Ham United also tried to sign Charlie Cresswell on a £13 million loan-to-buy deal, only to see Toulouse stand firm on their £17 million asking price.
Now, as Graham Potter weighs up handing Igor a first start in tomorrow’s London derby, Toulouse director Viktor Bezhani is looking forward to watching former Leeds starlet Cresswell in action again away at Lille one day later.
Viktor Behzani explains why Toulouse rejected West Ham United’s Charlie Cresswell offer
Still only 23, Cresswell has made a massive impact since crossing the Channel during the summer of 2024. Toulouse secured their first top-half Ligue 1 finish in over a decade with the Preston-born colossus at the heart of their backline.
And, speaking to La Depeche, Behzani admits he was relieved to see the window close with Cresswell still in the building.
“Several players were indeed highly sought after, but we always discussed things transparently with them,” the sporting director says when asked specifically about the two-time Under-21 European Championship winner.
“We understand that players have their dreams, that they aspire to play at the highest level. But if they leave, they have to go to the right club at the right time. We are very happy to have kept these players, and I believe they understand what an additional season with us can bring them, and us, as a club.
“The first matches of the season have proven that we can aspire to achieve great things.”
While West Ham’s signing of Igor Julio played a key role in preventing Marc Guehi’s Liverpool switch – Palace called off the latter deal after pulling the plug on the former – Behzani confirms that selling Jaydee Canvot to The Eagles for an initial £16 million helped prevent the sale of Cresswell to Crystal Palace’s London neighbours.
“[Letting Canvot leave] gave us obvious security, but only at the end of the transfer window,” he adds. “So what mattered, once again, was the project we presented to them, the promise that they would develop in a stable and ambitious environment and that they would be key players.
“These weren’t difficult discussions to have because they are ambitious players, who are determined not to rush things. For our part, we don’t want to sell them short. So we have to find that common ground.
“Each case is different. But the beauty of our club is that we can bring in players like Charlie Cresswell, who hadn’t played for a year [at Leeds] and who immediately integrates into our environment, our methodology, which is progressing rapidly.”
Graham Potter hails Igor Julio ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash
Hammers News can confirm that West Ham are open to signing Igor Julio permanently should he impress during his temporary stay in East London. Cresswell is likely to come into contention once again, meanwhile, should he maintain his excellent progress across the water.
“As you can imagine with the window, you have to be on your toes,” Graham Potter said on Thursday, West Ham jumping at the chance to nab Igor after selling Nayef Aguerd to Marseille.
“The opportunity for Nayef to leave was good for him and us. A possibility opened up for Igor. He’s trained really well, fitted into the group really well. He is a positive character, so we are happy [with the signing].
“We’ve got good competition there now. Igor can cover centre-back and full-back. I’m happy with that position, happy that the window has finished and we are where we are.”
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