Those hoping for a boost to the front line before the season started got their wish with Saints announcing that Cameron Archer has arrived from Aston Villa for a fee believed to be in the region of £15 million.

Perhaps Cameron Archer is not a familiar name to Saints supporters, but the 22 year old has a reasonable pedigree, although he has yet to truly make his mark in the Premier League, playing just 39 games for Villa and also Sheffield United with whom he spent last season, with 4 goals and 1 assist.

That was a bit bizarre Vill sold him for £18 million in the summer of 2023 but insisted on a buy back clause, that was invoked and Villa bought him back for £15 million, only to sell him again just a month or so later to Southampton for virtually the same price.

Aston Villa fans were baffled and many of them expressed disappointment that he wasn’t given a chance for the coming season.

Archer also has experience in the ~Championship with loan spells at Preston and Middlesbrough, in 40 games in total he scored 18 goals and 7 assists, so he knows where the net is.

Primarily a central striker he can also play on the right wing or a deeper role.

This is a signing that won’t set the pulses racing for Saints supporters, but he is a striker who in many respects has better stats than the man he replaces Che Adam’s, so I would say that with Ben Brereton Diaz also recently arrived and Sekou Mara about to depart that we are a little stronger up front than we were last season.

Archer has travelled with the Southampton squad to Newcastle and is likely to play some part in the game.

Cameron Archer said: “I'm really excited to be here. I had a good chat with the gaffer. Obviously, he told me everything I needed to hear.

“That was one of the main reasons why I'm here, his playing style, his coaching and trying to improve me as a player. It's not a bad place to do that in the Premier League with Southampton.

“I just want to keep scoring goals and improve myself as a player, and I don't think there's a better place to do that than with Southampton.”

Russell Martin said: “Cameron is a really exciting young talent with huge potential to improve, and we’re really delighted to add him to the group in time for our first game back in the Premier League. He’s had a really good pre-season – he’s sharp and ready to go.

“He’s a constant threat with his pace and ability to score goals, and will have learned a lot from playing regularly in the Premier League last season. Now it’s up to us to help him develop and showcase how good he can be at this level.”

Photo: Action Images

Saidou added 18:44 - Aug 16 He seems more prolific than CheAdams. And if he is at least as hardworking as Che was then we are better off. I can’t wait to see Mara out. He is so bad that I can’t figure out what his position is. I would drive him to his next club for free. Nick, would it be a good a good idea to keep tall Paul?
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Bowlercow added 18:56 - Aug 16 I saw him play for Villa against Liverpool in what I think was his PL debut I can remember he scored but I can't remember much else about him He may not have scored many for Sheffield last term but in the second half of the season his strike partner did Hopefully AA,BBD and now Archer can move across the front line and cause problems for opposition defences
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Colburn added 19:54 - Aug 16 When I’ve seen him, he’s looked impressive. I like the connection he already has with Diaz and the Diaz connection with Arma. They can probably interchange which will help the movement up front. Mara and Onuachu will both go if possible by the looks of it and Alcaraz too. Wondering if the Chelsea midfielder loan deal opens the door again for Charles to be part of a swap with O’Riley or someone like him because we still lack midfield creativity. Hopefully a new keeper by next week.

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ItchenNorth added 20:52 - Aug 16 Good player really good signing. You only have to ask Villa fans about him and they'll tell you he's quality and knows we're the goal is. He was decent for Villa at a young age, then scored plenty for Boro on loan. He's been banging them in for Villa this Pre-season but finds himself third choice behind Watkins and Duran. He's happy down the middle as a number 9. Our attack now feels significantly better now.

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allsaint54 added 21:27 - Aug 16 4 goals in over 30 games for Sheff Utd last season doesn't cut it for me. Seems like another striker who can score in Championship but not PL. 15M seems well over priced.
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RedandWight added 22:12 - Aug 16 Maybe everyone above is a ' glass half full' type. I thought maybe I was wrong so I went back to Youtube and had another look at Archer. No, I still think he is different to but about the same level in terms of goals, as Che. Russel Martin has stated he is 'a player with potential to improve' is that a reflection of the level he is at right now? Nick I agree with you, Yes my pulse isn't racing right now. At the end of the season I would love to hold my hands up in the air and admit, 'Yeah I was wrong' On a positive note, Brereton -Diaz really does look Premier League, I think he will be an astute signing, our best to date this window.

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