After acquiring Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres in high-profile moves, Aston Villa finished in the middle of the pack in terms of net spending in the Premier League the previous summer. Four permanent sales, the most of which only brought in modest fees, allowed them to partially offset those purchases. After a fruitful loan stay, Marvellous Nakamba joined newly promoted Luton, while Jaden Philogene moved down to the Championship with Hull City. Striker Keinan Davis left for Serie A team Udinese.
The most notable departure, however, and the one that brought Villa a substantial profit, was Cameron Archer’s £18 million transfer to Sheffield United. A graduate of the Villa youth, Archer made an impression on his two half-season loans to Middlesbrough and Preston North End, tallying eighteen goals over the two stints to cement his place in the shop window.
Given that he would only be able to make 14 first-team appearances and hadn’t been given the opportunity to start a single Premier League game, it was hardly surprising that he was eager to depart the squad. However, it appears that his tale with Villa may not be over yet.
Archer could return to Villa
If Sheffield United is demoted, Villa will probably re-sign Archer, according to talkSPORT. At this moment, it appears almost probable, with the Blades 11 points from safety after 26 of 38 games.
The precise amount Villa would have to pay is unknown, but should Chris Wilder’s team fail, they will be able to reclaim him for a “cut-price fee” thanks to a “clever clause” NSWE incorporated into their contract with Sheffield United.
“Fantastic” Archer could replace Duran
The main query that Villa supporters will now have is if Archer has performed well enough to warrant a spot in the squad under Unai Emery, or if he will be dealt for a tidy profit once more.
Four goals in 16 league starts for Sheffield United may not seem like much on paper, but context is crucial in this situation. Playing for the worst side in the division, he has contributed the second-lowest xG (23.7) and the fewest goals (22) of any player.
Making the most of a difficult circumstance, Archer has scored more goals in open play than any other member of the team and has just about outperformed his individual xG. The Englishman has been characterised as a player with true “technical quality” and a “fantastic finisher” by James Quinn, his former coach at Solihull Moors. He has undoubtedly held his own in front of goal despite the pressure of a relegation battle.
Crucially, Emery might think twice before appointing Archer to be Ollie Watkins’ deputy because he is rumoured to have some reservations about Jhon Duran, whose behaviour on the practice field has raised concerns “multiple times.”
