Leeds United could be on the verge of completing a highly significant signing as reports suggest that the club is preparing a £15 million bid for Southampton striker Cameron Archer. The deal could see the 23-year-old move to Elland Road after an initial approach by Leeds was rejected by Southampton. However, with the January transfer window set to close at 11 pm tonight, there is still hope that a deal can be struck before the deadline.
The development comes after BBC Radio Solent journalist Adam Blackmore shared on February 3 that Southampton’s ongoing pursuit of Victor Udoh, as reported by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, could unlock Archer’s potential exit from the south coast. Should Udoh join Southampton, Archer might no longer be seen as an essential part of their plans, making him available for a move. In this case, Leeds would be in pole position to secure the former Aston Villa man, who has shown glimpses of his ability in both the Premier League and Championship.
Leeds United’s manager, Daniel Farke, has been actively seeking to bolster his attacking options as his current forward options have been inconsistent. Both Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph, while capable, have been unable to deliver consistent performances as the main strikers for the club. Piroe, who arrived from Swansea, has shown promise but has not yet been able to find the same clinical form he displayed in the Championship with his former club. Joseph, the promising academy graduate, has impressed in patches but still lacks the experience to be the main man in a team chasing promotion. Given these issues, adding Archer to the squad could bring a much-needed boost to the attacking depth and offer greater competition for places.
Leeds have been performing strongly in the Championship this season and sit in a prime position to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League, where they spent three seasons between 2020 and 2023 before suffering relegation. With just a few months remaining in the season, securing promotion is the club’s top priority, and strengthening the squad is essential to ensure they have the quality and depth to maintain their push to return to the top flight.
While Archer’s Premier League record may not be eye-catching, his performances in the second tier of English football make him an intriguing option. Archer has managed to score just six goals in 60 Premier League appearances across loan spells with Aston Villa, Sheffield United, and Southampton. Despite these modest returns in the top flight, his Championship record is far more impressive. In 42 appearances in the second tier, he has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists, a far more prolific record. These numbers indicate that Archer could thrive in the Championship once again, and his ability to lead the line and score goals would be invaluable to Leeds as they look to cement their place in the Premier League for the 2025-2026 season.
Archer’s style of play is also well-suited to Leeds United’s system. The striker is known for his pace, sharp movement off the ball, and clinical finishing ability. His work rate and adaptability would make him a valuable asset to Farke, who demands high intensity and pressing from his attackers. Archer’s versatility in the final third would complement the likes of Piroe and Joseph, with the option of playing him as the main striker or as a supporting forward in a two-man attack. His experience in the Premier League, albeit limited, would also provide a level of composure and maturity that could help bring more balance to Leeds’ attack, particularly in key moments during the business end of the season.
A move for Archer could also help Leeds increase competition within their forward line. The arrival of a proven goal-scorer, particularly one with experience of both the Premier League and Championship, would give Piroe and Joseph extra motivation to raise their performances and contribute more consistently. Furthermore, Archer’s signing would allow Farke more tactical flexibility in terms of his attacking options, which could prove invaluable in the race for promotion. With the likes of Patrick Bamford, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, the addition of Archer would offer much-needed depth to the forward positions.
The timing of this potential deal is critical, with the transfer window closing tonight. Leeds fans will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting confirmation of the deal, hoping that their club can secure the signing of Archer and further strengthen their promotion bid. If the transfer does go through, it would mark a significant coup for the Yorkshire club, adding an attacking option that could be crucial in ensuring Leeds have the firepower needed to secure a top-two finish and return to the Premier League.
With the January window coming to a close, Farke and the Leeds hierarchy will be hoping to finalize this transfer in time for the final stretch of the season. If Archer does join Leeds, it would be seen as a statement of intent, with the club reinforcing its ambitions of regaining their place in the Premier League and strengthening their squad for the challenges ahead. Given his impressive Championship record, Archer would not only provide a much-needed attacking option but also a player capable of making a real impact in the final months of the season.