Leeds United are optimistic of reaching an agreement to sign Cameron Archer from Southampton, and Paul Heckingbottom has already expressed his thoughts on the striker.
Daniel Farke wants to bring in a striker at Leeds after loaning out Joe Gelhardt to Hull. Patrick Bamford has suffered a setback in his recovery from an injury and will be out until the middle of February.
Leeds appear to be close to signing a new striker. On Thursday, reports surfaced that Leeds are looking to sign Cameron Archer from Southampton, 18 months after they attempted to sign Archer from Aston Villa.
Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are confident of beating Sunderland to Archer’s signature. Archer is thought to be interested in a move to Elland Road before Monday’s deadline.
What has Paul Heckingbottom said about Cameron Archer?
Former Leeds manager Heckingbottom signed Archer ahead of his former team in the summer of 2023, spending £18 million for the forward while managing Sheffield United. Four goals in 32 games were followed by 23-24.
Last summer, Southampton invested £15 million for Archer. He has since scored five goals in 22 Saints games. Heckingbottom is a huge admirer, and he expressed his excitement on Sheffield United’s website following Archer’s arrival.
“A fantastic opportunity for us to sign a young, energetic forward who expressed a desire to join us. Cameron provides us pace, agility, and a goal-scoring record; we are excited to work with him.”
Where does Cameron Archer’s arrival leave Patrick Bamford?
If Archer joins, the Southampton striker will expect to start, and rightfully so. Archer has 18 goals and seven assists in his 40 Championship appearances, including loan spells at Preston and Boro.
He differs from Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe in terms of pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability. Bamford will be reduced to fourth-choice striker, taking over for Gelhardt.
For someone earning such a high salary, it must be in the best interests of everyone involved to find a way out of the club for Bamford. However, considering his hamstring concerns, he may be unable to do so while wounded.
Graham Smyth expected Bamford would leave in the summer, with his contract set to expire in June 2026. The signing of Archer, if it does get over the line, means Smyth’s prediction is likely to come true.
