Southampton swerved late Rangers transfer - Adam Armstrong news changes things | OneFootball

Cameron Archer’s time to shine at Southampton could be upon us

Archer almost had a move of his own this winter, with Scottish side Rangers reportedly eyeing a deal late last week, according to the Daily Record.

That deal, however, did not materialise, so it leaves the 24-year-old striker on the south coast with one less man in competition.

In what has been a difficult season for Archer so far, Armstrong’s move could be the opening the former Aston Villa man needs.

It was revealed by the Daily Echo that Archer was quite keen on the move north of the border, but it fell through during the club-to-club negotiations.

A loan move was under discussion, but the Saints were said to want to include an obligation to buy plus a fee and for a hefty chunk of Archer’s wages to be paid.

Moreover, with the departure of Armstrong, Tonda Eckert was believed to want to sign another striker, presumably to cover for the loss of the pair, as they’d have been very light up top with both going without replacement.

So, despite interest from both sides, the parties couldn’t get close enough within the timeframe of the January window to come to an agreement, and Archer remains at St Mary’s.

Adam Armstrong’s departure opens a window

Part of the reason for talk around Archer’s future with the Saints is the fact that he’s started just six Championship games in total this season, scoring just two goals in the competition.

Armstrong has – for good reason, given 15 Championship goal contributions – been the favoured option at the front prior to his Midlands move, but will no longer be able to be called upon by Eckert.

The Saints did sign some attacking reinforcements in loanee Cyle Larin from RCD Mallorca, but in his first move to England at 30 years old, his potential impact is as yet unknown.

That, coupled with the difficult injury record of Ross Stewart, should open the door to plenty of opportunities for Archer.

It’s an opportunity that Archer must now take, as we have seen him do in the past.

In 20 second-tier appearances for Preston North End in 2021/22, he notched seven goals and provided one assist.

He then went one step further in the following season, with 11 goals and six assists for Middlesbrough in the Championship. There is no doubt: the talent is there.

Even as part of a struggling Sheffield United outfit in the Premier League, he managed to rack up six goal involvements. There is no doubt: the talent is there, it just hasn’t been on show for Southampton this season.

Eckert may have few other options to turn to in this second half of the season, even though he does not seem particularly struck on the 24-year-old.

Circumstances could force the Saints boss’ hand, and so Archer must use that situation to prove how good a player he is and can be.