Aston Villa sold striker Cameron Archer to Sheffield United this summer.
Cameron Archer left Aston Villa in a deal worth £18 million during the recent summer transfer window. He signed for Sheffield United, and will expect regular game time for the Blades.
Archer got his career at Bramall Lane off to a flying start with a debut goal against Everton last time out. The 21-year-old combined well with striker partner Oli McBurnie to fire home past Jordan Pickford from the edge of the penalty area.
The move to Yorkshire looks likely to be a good one for Archer’s career. The former England under-21 international will get the chance to prove his quality at Premier League level with regular game time for Sheffield United.
Aston Villa may well come to regret letting Archer go, though. In pre-season, Unai Emery suggested that the Villa academy product was in his plans for the campaign. Despite this, the forward was still subsequently allowed to leave the club.
Archer offered Emery a crucial alternative
Ollie Watkins has established himself as the first choice to lead the line at Villa Park. Jhon Duran remains at the club as a back up option. Beyond that pair, though, the Villans don’t have any other out and out strikers on their books.
This puts enormous strain on Watkins to remain fit and available throughout what is set to be a busy season for the club. Aston Villa are competing in the Europa Conference League this season, and Emery will also want to challenge for the domestic cups.
Having Archer around would have provided extra strength in depth and given Emery another rotation option, allowing him to manage Watkins’ minutes more sensibly. Equally, Archer had the quality to push for a starting place of his own.
Sheffield United offered a good fee for Archer, but Aston Villa may soon find themselves wishing they had turned down the money.
