Cameron Archer, a Southampton striker who came up through the ranks at Aston Villa, could be returning to the Midlands via West Bromwich Albion.

The departures of Karlan Grant, Daryl Dyke, and Jed Wallace have weakened West Bromwich Albion’s forward line. Not only that, but Josh Maja could follow, leaving them short on strikers despite the acquisitions of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart.

West Brom are trying to strengthen their squad, which is where Southampton striker Cameron Archer comes in. After loan spells at Preston North End and Middlesbrough, Archer scored 18 Championship goals in 42 games.

Archer has only four goals in 30 appearances for Southampton since. The 24-year-old has shown flashes of being productive at this level, but that has not been the case with the Saints. A fresh start could be just what Archer needs, since West Brom’s interest in him was recently disclosed.

West Brom take Cameron Archer action as the Southampton transfer approaches closer.

West Brom have yet to make a move, but their current attacking options in pre-season include Morgan, Stewart, Aune Heggebo, Tammer Bany, and Mikey Johnston. It’s certainly something James Morrison will want to address.

A move to The Hawthorns could provide Archer with the much-needed fresh start. Morrison demonstrated a willingness to run a 4-4-2 after taking permanent charge, and that system could fit Archer far more than the role he found himself playing at Southampton.

Instead of leading the line on his own or being deployed out wide, Archer would be able to work alongside Heggebo, using his speed to get past defences while benefiting from the Norwegian’s physical presence and hold-up play.

On paper, the collaboration appears to be complementary. Morrison’s more direct, two-striker approach could also create the space and service that Archer craves, potentially allowing him to rediscover the goalscoring form he demonstrated at Championship level but has struggled to replicate in recent seasons on the south coast.

West Brom appear to have finally taken action on their transfer target and increased their interest, with talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that the Baggies have made an approach on the player’s behalf.

https://x.com/JacobsBen/status/2080260531387072888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2080260531387072888%7Ctwgr%5E129aa05178fee63cbf4a83c51eff8fa3e7f75fe5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffootballleagueworld.co.uk%2Fcameron-archer-transfer-truth-emerges-as-west-brom-plot-southampton-raid%2F

However, he adds that Southampton is still awaiting formal club-to-club contact, implying that the former Villa striker’s transfer has not yet been completed.

How West Brom and Southampton fans are reacting to Cameron Archer transfer news

A number of Southampton and West Brom fans have already spoken out on X (previously Twitter) in response to the transfer speculation, with conflicting reactions to the striker’s situation.