Rangers Identify This English Forward As A Loan Target: Why This Move Makes Sense For Rohl | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Daily Record is accurate, Rangers have shifted their focus to Cameron Archer amid uncertainty over Ryan Naderi’s arrival. Hansa Rostock have rejected multiple bids for their prized asset, and Danny Rohl, desperate to bolster his frontline, is assessing multiple striking options, including the Southampton centre-forward.

The 24-year-old England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Walsall and Aston Villa before making his senior debut in the EFL Cup. He was loaned out to Solihull Moors, Preston North End and Middlesbrough over the next three seasons for first-team football, and was eventually allowed to join Sheffield United for £18m in the summer of 2023.

However, Archer failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League, as the Blades finished rock bottom, with the Englishman scoring four times in 29 outings. Villa brought him back upon Sheffield United’s relegation, but sanctioned a £15m transfer to newly-promoted Southampton in 2024.

Russell Martin, then in charge of the Saints, brought him to St Mary’s to resolve their striker conundrum. The youngster netted only twice in 35 Premier League appearances and suffered another relegation, without making any significant impact up top. So far, he has featured 19 times in the English Championship, with just six starts and two goals under Will Still and his successor Tonda Eckert.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Cameron Archer of Southampton is challenged by Noni Madueke of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 04, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Archer is one of the highest earners at Southampton, and the club, struggling in the second division, are now keen to free up their wage budget. Rangers are aiming for a loan and would cover a large portion of his salary at Ibrox.

Although his stats are not impressive, the Light Blues could still benefit from the deal, given his flexibility across the frontline. He is not a targetman like Naderi. But Rohl, likely to lose Danilo to NEC Nijmegen, might find an upgrade to the Brazilian in and around the attacking third.

Why Rangers Should Step Up The Hunt Before Monday’s Deadline

Danilo has struggled with form and fitness since his move from Feyenoord. But his ability to slot in as a ‘number 9’, a second striker, or a wide attacker often saw Rangers snatch late victories. Yet his unavailability and inconsistency saw him slip down the pecking order in the wake of Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski, Mikey Moore, Djiedi Gassama and Andreas Skov Olsen’s addition high up the pitch.

Archer, known for his agility and work rate, would fit in Rohl’s system with his pace, swift footwork, hold-up play, link-ups and both feet finishing. He has not hit his prime despite having a very high ceiling, and a run of games north of the border could help him rebuild confidence and unlock his potential.