Crystal Palace are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to recruitment right now, with so many players still away at the World Cup.
Ten Crystal Palace stars are into the last 16 of the World Cup, meaning Pierre Sage will have little time to assess his squad and determine which areas need improvement.
The World Cup is also having an impact on outgoings, with Toulouse now growing annoyed at Crystal Palace over the situation involving Charlie Cresswell – according to Alan Nixon on Patreon.
How much is Maxence Lacroix worth? 🤔
The Frenchman still has three years left on his contract 📝
Toulouse turn to Rennes after growing impatient with Crystal Palace
Nixon states that Toulouse are now negotiating the sale of Cresswell with Rennes after becoming frustrated with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles want the former Leeds United defender as a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, although discussions with Chelsea over the France international are not expected to advance until the Crystal Palace No.5 returns from the World Cup.
It has led Toulouse to progress in talks with Rennes instead over the sale of Cresswell, but despite the England U21 international agreeing personal terms, Nixon claims the French side are “at full stretch” when it comes to affording the €28m (£24m) asking price and his wages.
So, the door could still be open for Crystal Palace to sign the 23-year-old if Rennes fail to stump up the cash, although Toulouse remain irritated with the Eagles as Steve Parish waits for Lacroix to return.
That could take a while considering France are currently favourites to win the World Cup – the final takes place on Sunday 19th July.
If this claim from Nixon is true, we cannot understand how Toulouse – who sold Jaydee Canvot to the Eagles back in August 2025 – can justify being annoyed with Crystal Palace.
Considering we already have Chadi Riad, Chris Richards, Canvot and Lacroix to fill three positions, Parish will understandably not want to sign Cresswell unless one of these options was definitely leaving.
Moving to sign Cresswell now, only for Lacroix’s switch to Chelsea to potentially collapse, would be a nightmare and a total waste of funds, so Toulouse surely understand why Crystal Palace are in no rush.
