Will Cameron Archer leave Southampton? West Brom are ready and waiting | OneFootball

Cameron Archer could be on his way out of Southampton this summer with West Brom having been reportedly interested previously

Southampton’s season ended somewhat controversially last time around, as the Saints' expulsion from the play-offs left a sour taste in the mouths of many across the EFL, including their own supporters, who have had to come to terms with another stint in the second tier as a result.

Indeed, Southampton went on an incredible run in the second half of the season, losing none of their final 19 league games, propelling them into the top six by consequence.

However, despite defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 in the semi-finals of the play-offs, the Saints were found guilty of spying and were thrown out of the competition as punishment, ending their season in unprecedented fashion.

Numerous Southampton players were reportedly furious by the outcome, understandably, knowing nothing of the situation behind the scenes, including 24-year-old Jamaican forward Cameron Archer.

Archer, 24, started just 11 games in 30 league appearances last season, scoring four and assisting three, falling behind each of Ross Stewart, Cyle Larin, Kuryu Matsuki, and Finn Azaz in the pecking order under German boss Tonda Eckert.

Archer, who joined Southampton for around £15 million two years ago from Aston Villa, has struggled to make an impact on the South Coast, and could be on his way out this summer, with division rivals West Bromwich Albion lurking.

Cameron Archer could leave Southampton this summer with West Brom lurking

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West Brom will be keen to ensure that they are not involved in another relegation battle next season, having found themselves in an unfamiliar precarious position last time around, as new permanent head coach James Morrison looks to stamp his authority on the Baggies squad.

The Baggies finished just one place above the relegation zone last season, in what was a hugely unfamiliar year for many of the club's supporters.

Not since the year 2000 has the Black Country outfit finished as low as they did last season, with the club having only ever finished in the top half of the second tier or in the Premier League since then.

Whilst they survived by the skin of their teeth, relief would have been rife throughout the fanbase, but as for new permanent head coach James Morrison, who was appointed on an initial interim basis following the dismissal of Eric Ramsay, it must serve as a warning sign.

With Jimmy Jay-Morgan having joined from Chelsea and Carter Pinnington signing from Liverpool, their window is well and truly underway, as the Baggies will be keeping a keen eye on Southampton striker Archer this summer.

According to senior journalist Steve Tudgay back in June, Morrison was interested in bringing Archer to the Hawthorns this summer, and though no deal has progressed since then, it’s unlikely that interest has evaporated into thin air.

With Daryl Dike having confirmed to have left the club and Karla Grant and Josh Maja having yet to sign extensions after being offered fresh terms, this leaves the Baggies short on options up top heading into next season.

Though Morgan will provide competition for Aune Heggebo, his lack of Championship experience ought not to be gambled upon, especially after last season.

Archer would be an excellent fit, and with an exit potentially on the cards, West Brom should make a formal move sooner rather than later.

Although Ross Stewart's unexpected departure leaves a big void at the top end of the pitch, the permanent addition of Cyle Larin will help Southampton not miss the Scot's presence too much, with Archer likely to be behind the Canadian in the pecking order.

Under contract until the summer of 2028, the Englishman won't be in a rush to sign reduced terms elsewhere, and though his permanent move to Rangers collapsed in January, leaving him disappointed, he likely won't push too hard for an exit, and will wait to see what offers arrive for him.

Still just 24, Archer has proven he knows where the back of the net is in the second tier across spells with Preston North End and Middlesbrough, and would be a wonderful addition at the Hawthorns if West Brom can convince Southampton to part ways for a reasonable price.

What sort of fee the Saints would command remains to be seen, as they will want to take as small a hit as possible after their £15 million two years ago.

West Brom likely can't stump up a significant amount this summer, as a loan deal may be their best avenue to explore a deal for Archer.

What Southampton's stance on the Jamaican remains to be seen, though with Eckert clearly not convinced by the Jamaican international, an exit for the right price seems certain, though what that right price is up for debate.

James Morrison must find a way to sign Cameron Archer for West Brom this summer with a Southampton exit likely

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As Morrison prepares for his first full season as a head coach in his career, the former Albion midfielder will be under increased pressure to get things right at the Hawthorns and ensure the club doesn't find itself in a similar position as last year.

With the likes of Dike, Grant, Maja, and Jed Wallace having left the club, as well as Danny Imray and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba having left after their loan spells ended, as it stands, it would be hard to argue that they haven't gotten weaker.

Morrison has a huge job on his hands, and adding Archer to the mix at the Hawthorns will only help his case.

With the Baggies unlikely to break the bank, a permanent deal for the former Aston Villa striker seems unlikely, as they may have to try their luck with a loan swoop in order to get a deal over the line.

Where Archer will be playing next season remains to be seen, with his Southampton career in doubt and West Brom lurking; it seems certain he will be on the move somewhere over the coming weeks and months.