Former Middlesbrough and current Sheffield United frontman Cameron Archer could be set for a return to Aston Villa this summer, according to the latest reports.
The young attacker moved to the Riverside Stadium in January 2023 on a six-month loan spell as Michael Carrick looked to boast his forward department. Archer’s brief stay helped improve the club’s fortunes as Boro made a late push for the play-offs and eventually finished fourth in the Championship.
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During his half-season stint with the Teesside outfit, the versatile forward formed a formidable partnership with Chupa Akpom up top and bagged 11 goals in 20 league appearances under the former Manchester United midfielder.
Upon return to Villa Park after a successful loan spell with Middlesbrough, it was believed that Archer would become a useful squad player in Unai Emery’s side. Instead, the attacker was sold to newly promoted Premier League side Sheffield United for a reported £18 million fee.
However, the 22-year-old has found it very difficult to replicate his form from the previous campaign at Bramall Lane and managed to find the net merely four times in 30 appearances in all competitions for the South Yorkshire club, who have now been relegated from the top-flight at the first time of asking.
The Archer! 🏹™️
In his debut season with the Blades, @Cameronarcher_ has scored some vital @premierleague goals! ⚽️🔥 pic.twitter.com/iw37stzcyH
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 14, 2024
It was previously reported by Football Insider that Aston Villa have a buy-back option for the young centre-forward, meaning they can have first dibs to bring him back to the West Midlands for a cheaper price than he was sold for.
Now, Football Insider are claiming that the Villans will activate this option ahead of the summer window following Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League. The fee is said to be £14 million, meaning the Blades will make a loss on this transfer.
Writer’s View
Archer had back-to-back successful loan spells at Preston North End and eventually Middlesbrough but found it quite difficult to hit the same form this season at Bramall Lane despite scoring some important goals throughout the campaign.
However, there is still a really talented player there. While going back to Aston Villa seems like a real possibility, remaining in the Championship with Sheffield United could do him the world of good as the Blades will be looking to return to the Premier League.
Deputy Head of Writing
