Leeds door opens to sign Cameron Archer after Danny Ings-Southampton shock
West Ham striker Danny Ings could help Leeds United sign Cameron Archer in a last-gasp transfer deal, according to David Anderson.
The Mirror journalist reported via X on 2 February that if Southampton re-sign Ings, 32, in the aftermath of the Hammers signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, it might lead to them allowing Archer, 23, to join Daniel Farke’s side in the Championship.
Leeds have already seen a £15million bid for the former Aston Villa striker rejected by the Saints as the Whites aim to bolster their strike force before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday night (3 February).
However, despite United’s efforts to add to Farke’s attack, they still won 7-0 against Cardiff on Saturday (1 February) and are the top goalscorers by some distance in the Championship with 60 goals in 30 matches.
Archer has played 25 times in all competitions this season for Southampton, scoring two five goals.
West Ham set merry-go-round in motion for Leeds signing Archer
As per Sky Sports News, West Ham have agreed a loan deal to sign Ireland striker Ferguson from Brighton for the rest of the season. He’s reportedly set to undergo a medical later on Sunday.
That means that Ings will get even fewer chances to play than he’s currently getting in East London and that might open up the door for a romantic return to Southampton, who are closing in on a record-breaking season for all the wrong reasons.
If that happens, Archer should be free to sign for Leeds, but the Whites will need to be quick about a deal and make sure everything is done ahead of the 11pm deadline on Monday.
We’ve seen year after year how clubs have missed out on signings due to late submission of forms. And we’ve also seen clubs having the rug pulled from beneath them (at least Leeds eventually got Dan James).
But if all goes pear-shaped, it’s not the biggest of blows for Leeds.
Why spend £15million on a striker when top of the Championship when you’re scoring goals for fun? Why spend £15million on a striker who could be playing in the Premier League for you next season when he’s proven that he struggles to perform at that level?
It seems odd. Leeds are better off doing a loan deal with an option-to-buy clause.
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