Leeds United look set to miss out on key striker target Cameron Archer after Southampton boss Ivan Juric revealed his stance on a potential transfer.
The Whites had previously tabled a bid for the former Sheffield United and Middlesbrough man, but that was turned away by The Saints. The 23-year-old has played 25 times for Southampton this season, but mainly as a substitute with Adam Armstrong and Paul Onuachu becoming the Serbian manager’s preferred forward options.
Juric Ends Speculation
Speaking to the press ahead of their crunch game against Ipswich Town as they look to avoid Derby County‘s lowest points record in the top flight, Juric shot down the rumours surrounding Archer’s future. He said (Quotes via Leeds Live):
“I think Cameron is a very good player and a great guy. For him, we’ve changed the style of game a little bit and maybe he’s suffered a little bit.
“But he is working really hard to understand what I want from him. We will see in these [coming] days. I don’t think something will happen. He will stay with us and we will work with him, I think so.”
Leeds are in the market for striker options with Patrick Bamford injured and only having Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe as senior strikers. Daniel Farke admitted the club are exploring some possible depth options to sign in the window.
Writer’s View
Leeds United will have to look somewhere else if they are to make a striker signing this window following Ivan Juric’s admission. Cameron Archer would have been a good pickup but signing him would certainly have given Daniel Farke a selection headache with multiple players deserving of a starting eleven place at number nine. Whilst it would be nice to have a fourth option at the front, it is probably not the priority right now. They have to find a second attacking midfielder as if Brendan Aaronson picks up an injury, they will be in a very tight spot in that position.
