Cameron Archer bullet dodged by Leeds United after ‘weird’ Southampton decision
Leeds United missing out on signing Cameron Archer from Southampton in January has arguably been a blessing in disguise.
Archer emerged as Leeds’ primary transfer target in the final days and hours of the winter window, with United launching several late loan-to-buy offers but ultimately failing to get a transfer over the line.
Daniel Farke established throughout the window that despite Patrick Bamford’s injury problems and Joe Gelhardt heading out on loan to Hull, Leeds would only add striking reinforcements if they fit the bill.
A lack of activity for over a month giving way to their desperate efforts to sign Archer on Deadline Day made clear that the 23-year-old was the defining target for Farke, albeit one he ultimately failed to get.
Archer out of favour after Leeds United transfer snub
Southampton batting away any and every approach from Leeds in the transfer window was due to Ivan Juric wanting to keep Archer in the fold at St. Mary’s, attempting to delay their inevitable relegation.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Cameron Archer | 31 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
However, during Saints’ 2-1 home loss to Wolves on 15 March – their 24th in 29 games – talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook posted on X after being left in disbelief at why Archer was left out of the side.
Crook said: “Worst team in the league v the fourth worst team in the league at home and the manager decides to play a false number nine [instead of Archer].
“Even weirder as Saints rejected a January offer from Leeds including a substantial buy obligation upon promotion, as Juric wanted to keep him.”
Worst team in the league v the 4th worst team in the league at home and the manager decides to play a false number 9. Even weirder as #SaintsFC rejected a January offer from #LUFC including a substantial buy obligation upon promotion as Juric wanted to keep him. https://t.co/ftg2cVmFln
— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) March 15, 2025
Leeds United must aim higher than Archer for next great fight
Archer not being deemed good enough to start a match between two bona-fide relegation contenders is a worrying sign, both on Southampton’s part and for the striker’s prospects of a summer transfer.
The England youth international’s record at Championship level is bulletproof – with 18 goals in 35 starts – but in the top-flight, he’s managed just six goals in 55 appearances, including just two this season.
That lack of potency at the top level should and arguably was a red flag for Leeds in their pursuit of the striker, making the “substantial buy obligation” offered upon promotion a silver bullet they have dodged.
Leeds learnt the hard way what it’s like to be lumbered with a striker who can’t cut it at the highest level – see Jean-Kevin Augustin – and if they do seal promotion, Archer shouldn’t even be considered as an option when looking for new number nines.