Southampton have completed the signing of Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in a deal worth £15m plus £2m in potential add ons.
The 22-year-old has signed a four-year deal, with the player joining Ben Brereton Diaz as a new option within the frontline.
Archer signed for Sheffield United last season in a deal worth £18.5m, but Villa were obligated to buy him back following the Blades' relegation to the Championship.
He only netted four goals during his time in South Yorkshire, but a previous loan to Championship side Middlesbrough in 2023 saw him net 11 times in 23 games, with the forward being in demand ever since.
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His career so far...
After making his debut for Villa aged 17 in 2020, Archer went on loan to Solihull Moors in the National League the following season where he netted four times in 26 games.
Upon his return to Villa the following season, Archer scored his first senior goals for the club after netting a hat-trick on his first start, helping his side breeze past Barrow 6-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup.
After a successful loan spell at Preston the following season, which saw him score seven goals, the then-Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard announced that he will not go back out on loan and is part of his plans, with Archer signing a new five-year deal.
Despite this promise, he found chances hard to come by and moved to Middlesbrough on loan in January 2023, scoring 11 and assisting six during his spell at the club - a return that didn't go unnoticed.
Sheffield United snapped him up for £18.5m upon their return to the Premier League in the hope he could keep them in the league, but after just four goals in 30 appearances, Villa were obligated to buy him back following the Blades' relegation.
Archer has also played 11 times for England at under 21's level, as well as playing a part in England's European Under 21's Championship victory where he scored twice.
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What to expect from Archer
Similarly to Adam Armstrong and Brereton Diaz, Archer can play either as a striker or off the left, with the 22-year-old tending to drift out there even if he starts through the middle.
The right-footed centre-forward likes to drive inside and bend a shot towards goal or lay the ball off to a teammate, again similar to his new attacking partners.
He is pacy, direct and incredibly skilful, with the forward also more than happy to pick the ball up from deep and take it forward.
Archer is also not afraid to make a run in behind, a good trait to have at a team like Southampton who may rely on counter attacks, and he possesses great composure in front of goal.
Saying this, he has a reputation for being an 'in the box' striker, with the 22-year-old lethal from close range if a chance falls his way.
Overall, even if he doesn't start in this Southampton side, he is a great option off the bench and brings a different dynamic to the team - making him a great signing given the fee.
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What is next for Southampton?
After announcing Archer today, and the loan signing of Lesley Ugochukwu to come very soon, Southampton's focus will likely turn to selling players.
Armel Bella-Kotchap, Charly Alacaraz and Sekou Mara are all expected to leave the club, while Shea Charles could be on his way to Celtic for a season-long loan.
In terms of signings, a goalkeeper is reportedly being targeted for the Saints, but there is little expectation for much more transfer activity.
