Premier League Aston Villa are reportedly looking to sell former Solihull Moors loanee Cameron Archer after agreeing on a deal to re-sign Championship star Jaden Philogene from Hull City.
Cameron Archer has spent several seasons out on loan to clubs such as Solihull Moors, Preston North End and Middlesbrough, but it looks like the Villains could potentially cash in on their former academy striker.
Archer was at Solihull Moors in the 2020/2021 season, scoring four goals and picking up an assist in all competitions, before moving on to Preston the following season.
How did Archer fare last season?
Following a successful loan move at Middlesbrough, picking up 17 goal contributions in 20 Championship appearances, Archer joined newly promoted Premier League side Sheffield United on loan with a clause to sign permanently for the Blades if they survived for £18 million.
But it was a tough season for Archer at Bramall Lane, finishing rock bottom of the Premier League, picking up only sixteen points. Archer came into the team on matchday four and made an instant impact, scoring against Everton on his debut and helping the Blades pick up a valuable point.
The rest of the season saw the former Solihull striker struggle to find form. He scored only three more goals in all competitions and an assist, finishing the season with the fifth-most goal contributions for his side.
The 22-year-old ended the season playing 32 times in all competitions for Sheffield United, scoring four and assisting once, along with a single EFL cup appearance for Villa.
One in-one out for the Villains.
It has been a busy start to the window for Villa, bringing in several players already with Amadou Onana also expected to sign, along with multiple outgoings, where they survived any Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR) scares.
But Villa are continuing their busy business, with the Villains expected to bring in former winger Jaden Philogene. Philogene had an impressive spell at Hull, contributing 18 goals in the league and being named Hull’s Young Player of the Year.
Philogene signed for Hull in September 2023, but his efforts last season could see him move on from the Tigers already with Villa set to re-sign the winger for a fee of £13 million.
Archer meanwhile, has completed his loan spell at Bramall Lane and has returned to Villa Park, but Football Insider reports Unai Emery’s side are expected to move their academy prodigy on permanently rather than another loan move.
The Villains would prefer to get £15 million or more for the forward, due to joining from the academy, Archer’s sale would be 100% profit and could give Aston Villa the ability to spend more on any needed players with less concern over PSR.
Where could Archer go?
Football Insider also reported that interested clubs are monitoring the situation closely, but where could Cameron Archer’s next destination be?
Due to his price tag, it may be expected that the forward’s next move would be to a top-flight side rather than a Championship side, as the fee may be too expensive unless it’s one of the likely top sides in the league, such as Leeds United.
We could see Archer move to a recently promoted Premier League side such as Southampton, who may want to strengthen their attack after losing Che Adams.
There could also be several mid-table Premier League clubs after Archer to help add depth to their attack, like Brentford, who may need additional strikers, especially if star player Ivan Toney leaves.
It will be interesting to see who Cameron Archer plays for at the end of the season. At only 22, he can still be seen as a youngster, and he has shown his talent in the Championship; it may be no surprise if clubs start pushing in for the former Solihull Moors striker.